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

4337 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between the centripetal acceleration and the centrifugal force?


Give the unit of energy, using only the base SI units kg, m and s.


A ball is thrown at a speed of 15m/s at a 30 degree angle from the floor, how far does this ball travel before hitting the ground? (Air resistance can be ignored)


What is the potential?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning