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

4172 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

What is Olbers' paradox?


The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


What are elastic and inelastic collisions? After a head on elastic collision of two balls of mass m1 and m2, deduce an equation relating the final and initial velocities of both balls.


Explain why increase in current results in higher temperature of the wire.


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