Overview
This lecture explains the difference between scalar and vector quantities in physics, provides examples of each, and shows how vectors are represented.
Scalar Quantities
- Scalar quantities have magnitude (size) only and no direction.
- Common scalar quantities include mass, temperature, speed, energy, distance, and time.
- Distance is an example of a scalar; it tells how far but not the direction.
Vector Quantities
- Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction.
- Examples include displacement, weight, force, velocity, acceleration, and momentum.
- Displacement is a vector; it states both how far (magnitude) and in which direction.
Representing Vectors
- Vectors are represented by arrows.
- The length of the arrow shows the magnitude of the vector.
- The direction of the arrow indicates the direction of the vector.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Scalar quantity — a physical measurement with magnitude only and no direction.
- Vector quantity — a physical measurement with both magnitude and direction.
- Magnitude — the size or quantity of a physical measurement.
- Distance — the total length traveled, a scalar quantity.
- Displacement — the straight-line distance from start to finish in a specified direction, a vector quantity.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice questions on scalar and vector quantities in the recommended revision workbook.