Vectors and scalars are two different types of physical quantities that are used to describe the physical properties of objects and systems in physics.

A scalar is a physical quantity that has magnitude but no direction. Examples of scalar quantities include mass, temperature, energy, and time. Scalar quantities are described using a single number, and their mathematical operations are performed as if they were real numbers.

A vector, on the other hand, is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples of vector quantities include displacement, velocity, force, and acceleration. Vectors are described using both magnitude and direction, and they are typically represented graphically as directed line segments. Vector quantities can be added and subtracted using vector addition and subtraction, and they can be multiplied by scalars to produce new vectors with different magnitudes.

In physics and other related fields, vectors and scalars are used together to describe the physical properties of objects and systems and to analyze their behavior and interactions. Understanding the difference between vectors and scalars is a fundamental concept in physics and is essential for solving many problems and analyzing physical phenomena.

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5 thoughts on “VECTORS AND SCALARS

  1. Thanks for the resource. In mathematics we also teach, as we move toward parametric representations, that a vector in space is a resultant composed of dilations or “stretches” of unit vectors i, j, and k, on the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, respectively, and that the origin of the vector can be translated to any location in 3-space with coordinates (x, y, z). So the vector 5i + 3j + 2k would give us opportunity to determine the magnitude via distance formulas and the direction via trig ratios. We already know that mathematics tends to be taught differently by mathematicians than it is by scientists, and some example of this unit basis would help bridge the gap. So the vector 5i + 3j + 2k would give us opportunity to determine the magnitude via distance formulas and the direction via trig ratios. Of course, this model extends to combining the components of any 2 or more forces anywhere in 3 space to determine a resultant.

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  2. Please could you tell me if there is a Life Science page/site like you have for Physical Science – it’s so brilliant

    Thank you

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