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Scalar and Vector Quantity

This document discusses scalar and vector quantities. It defines scalars as physical quantities that only require magnitude and can be added using simple algebra. Vectors require both magnitude and direction for a complete description and are added using special vector rules. Examples of scalars include mass, temperature, and length, while examples of vectors include velocity, acceleration, and force.

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874 views5 pages

Scalar and Vector Quantity

This document discusses scalar and vector quantities. It defines scalars as physical quantities that only require magnitude and can be added using simple algebra. Vectors require both magnitude and direction for a complete description and are added using special vector rules. Examples of scalars include mass, temperature, and length, while examples of vectors include velocity, acceleration, and force.

Uploaded by

viraj arewar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SCALAR & VECTOR


QUANTITIES

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Scalar and Vector Quantities

I N T H I S C A P S UL E
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What are Scalars Quantities?


• Some physical quantities can be described just by their numerical value
(with their respective units) without directions (they don’t have any direction).
• The addition of these physical quantities follows the simple rules of algebra.
• Such physical quantities are known as scalars.

Example of Scalars Quantities


• A scalar quantity and unit of mass is kilogram (kg).
• If you are adding up two masses, let’s say: 5kg and 7kg, the total mass
of the system will by (5 + 7) kg = 12kg
• Other common examples of scalar quantities are: Temperature, Length, and Speed

What are Vector Quantities?


• Sometimes, to describe certain physical quantity, complete description
of magnitude and direction is required (unlike scalars, they have a direction).
• The addition of these physical quantities does not follow the rules of algebra.
• To add vector quantities, special rules for the addition and subtraction
of vectors are followed which we will learn as we go ahead in the subject.
• These physical quantities are known as vectors.

Example of Vector Quantities


• Velocity is a vector quantity since it has both magnitude
(numerical value) and direction.
• If you are saying that the velocity of a certain object is 5 m/s,
it is incomplete since the direction of velocity is not mentioned.
• Velocity could be in any direction, so a certain direction has to be
assigned to it in order to give complete information.
• Other common examples of vector quantities are: Acceleration, Linear momentum,
and Force

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Basic Difference Between Scalar and Vector


• Scalars are physical quantities which can be completely described by their numerical value.
• Vectors are physical quantities which require both magnitude and direction for a complete
description. Scalars require only magnitude.
• Scalars are described as being one dimensional while Vectors are multi dimensional.

• Scalar: In the example of speed, time etc, the distance between


the points is scalar quantity not the direction.
• Vector: Velocity could be an example because it is measurement of the
rate of change of an object’s position.

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