Scalar and Vector Quantities

Scalar and Vector Quantities

A scalar quantity has only magnitude, while a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

$$\text{Scalar}=\text{magnitude only}$$

$$\text{Vector}=\text{magnitude}+\text{direction}$$

Terminology

- Scalar: Quantity completely specified by its magnitude.

- Vector: Quantity specified by magnitude and direction.

Usage

- Used to distinguish quantities such as mass, temperature, and energy from displacement, velocity, and force.