GCSE Maths Practice: vectors

Question 6 of 10

This question teaches the meaning of the zero vector.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{What does the zero vector represent?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Both components zero → zero vector, no movement.

The zero vector \(\begin{pmatrix}0\\0\end{pmatrix}\) represents no displacement; there is no movement horizontally or vertically. In physics, this indicates a stationary point; in geometry, it indicates no translation. Understanding the zero vector is crucial because it acts as the identity element in vector addition: adding it to any vector does not change the vector. Visualizing vectors on a grid reinforces understanding of the zero vector's effect on position. Practicing identification of zero vectors alongside standard vectors prepares students for vector operations in real-world applications.