Final answer:
Velocity, acceleration, and force are all vectors because they possess both magnitude and direction, which is the defining characteristic of vectors in physics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Velocity, acceleration, and force are all vectors because they have both magnitude and direction. In physics, a vector is any quantity that has magnitude and direction, distinguishing it from a scalar which has only magnitude. For example, velocity is the speed of an object in a specific direction, and acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time, including its direction. Force is also a vector as it is described by its strength (magnitude) and the direction in which it acts.
When considering motion in one dimension, the direction of a vector can be given by a plus or minus sign, whereas in two dimensions, vectors are typically represented by arrows in a coordinate system. The length of the arrow is proportional to the vector's magnitude, while the arrow points in the direction of the vector. A clear understanding of vectors is essential in physics, as it allows for precise descriptions of physical quantities that involve both size and direction.