Describe the key difference between a scalar and a vector quantity

A scalar quantity is one that only has magnitude while a vector has magnitude and an associated direction. For example, temperature is a scalar quantity because temperature only has magnitude/ size, there is no direction associated with temperature. In contrast, force is a vector quantity as both the size of the force and the direction of the force are important when measuring it.

OM

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

What is gravitational potential energy?


How are the momentum and kinetic energy of an object related?


When do you use each of the SUVAT equations? I am slightly confused about projectile motion.


Sue's brother is on a sled on top of ice (assume no friction). Sue is pulling her brother with 15 N of force at a 38 degree angle above the horizontal. Calculate the work done if she pulls him for 50 meters.