What is the difference between a Scalar and a Vector?

A vector is any physical quantity which has a direction and a magnitude, whereas a scalar is a physical quantity that is not directional (magnitude only).

AR
Answered by Alex R. Physics tutor

1829 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A stationary observer Bob, observes Alice take 5 seconds to travel from point A to B at 0.95c. How much time does Alice measure the journey from A to B to take?


Explain how a standing wave is set up on a string fixed at both ends.


What is a vector quantity


If two cars are moving, labelled car A and car B. Car A moves at 15 m/s and B at 10 m/s but car B also accelerated at 2 m/s/s. If the two both travel for ten seconds, which car will travel further?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning