Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities

Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities

Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities 1

  1. Physical quantities can be grouped into scalar quantities and vector quantities.
  2. Above Figure shows a truck travelling a distance of 50 km in the eastward direction. We describe the journey of the truck by stating the magnitude and the direction of its travel:
    (a) The magnitude is 50 km.
    (b) The direction is East.
  3. Scalar quantities are physical quantities that have magnitude only.
  4. Vector quantities are physical quantities that have magnitude and direction.
  5. Some examples of scalar and vector quantities are listed in Table.
    Scalar quantities Vector quantities
    Length Displacement
    Time Velocity
    Temperature Acceleration
    Mass Momentum
    Speed Force

Example 1
Mei is putting up a night at a campsite during her training program. It is a warm night with a temperature of 30°C and she will have only 3 hours of sleep before hiking to the base camp of the mountain located 2 km away.
Understanding Scalar and Vector Quantities 2From the above description, determine whether each of the quantities involved is a scalar or a vector quantity and explain your answer.
Solution:

Event Quantity Explanation
A warm night with a temperature of 30°C Scalar quantity Temperature has magnitude only.
3 hours of sleep Scalar quantity Time has magnitude only.
Hiking to the base camp 2 km away Vector quantity The magnitude of the distance and the direction of the hike are involved.

scalars, Vectors and Matrices