What is the difference between a vector and a scalar?

A vector is a measurement of something that has more than 1 number associated with it, for example velocity. I can tell you how fast a car is going using the magnitude of velocity, speed, and I can tell you in which direction it is going. Another example is force. A force acts with a certain amount of Newton’s in some given direction. A scalar on the other hand is only associated with 1 number. An example is temperature. I can tell you what temperatures something is at and that is all I can tell you. There is no direction or other quantity involved. A second example is time.

MZ
Answered by Max Z. Physics tutor

4080 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Why does the equation for gravitational potential energy give a negative value if energy cannot be negative.


Could you go through the derivation of the Doppler effect for a source moving towards an observer?


How would I write the binary number 11001 in decimal form?


What is Olbers' paradox?


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences