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Physics Topic

Scalar and Vector Quantities

  1. Read notes
  2. Flashcards
  3. Quiz
  4. Confident

Study focus - 3 things

  1. Scalars have size only; vectors have size and direction
  2. Magnitude means the size or amount of a quantity
  3. Direction matters for vectors like force, velocity, and displacement

Section 1Scalars

A scalar quantity has magnitude only. Magnitude just means size. Examples include mass, time, temperature, distance, speed, and energy.

Section 2Vectors

A vector quantity has magnitude and direction. Examples include force, displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Easy to mix up — speed is scalar, but velocity is vector because velocity includes direction.

Section 3Magnitude and direction

If you say a taxi travelled 10 km, that is distance. If you say it moved 10 km north from Half-Way Tree, that is displacement because direction is included. Direction changes the meaning.

Section 4Why it matters

Forces and motion depend on direction. Two equal forces in opposite directions can cancel out. Two equal forces in the same direction can add together.

Examples

Is 20 kg a scalar or vector?

It is a scalar because mass has magnitude only. No direction is needed.

A student walks 300 m east along Hope Road. Is that distance or displacement?

It is displacement because it includes both magnitude, 300 m, and direction, east.

Now let's water it

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