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
Answered by Olavo M. Physics tutor

11113 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

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


Why is centripetal acceleration directed inwards to the centre of the circle during centripetal motion? If I’m in a car while it’s cornering, I seem to be pushed outwards away from the centre, not inwards.


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


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.


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