P2.1 Scaler and Vector Quantities

• What are the two main types of physical quantities?

  Scalar and vector quantities
• What defines a scalar quantity?

  A scalar quantity has only magnitude and no direction
• What is another term for magnitude?

  Size
• If a car travels at 22 meters per second, what is the magnitude of its speed?

  22 meters per second
• Why is speed considered a scalar quantity?

  Because it does not have a direction
• Name three examples of scalar quantities.

  Distance, mass, temperature
• List four examples of vector quantities.

  Velocity, displacement, acceleration, force
• What distinguishes vector quantities from scalar quantities?

  Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction
• How does distance differ from displacement?

  Distance does not indicate direction, while displacement does
• If you walk three kilometers without specifying a direction, what type of quantity is this?

  Scalar quantity
• If you walk three kilometers east, what type of quantity is this?

  Vector quantity
• How would you represent a vector of four kilometers north?

  An arrow pointing upwards with a length proportional to four kilometers
• How do we visually represent vectors?

  Using arrows where the length indicates magnitude and direction indicates direction
• What does a negative vector indicate?

  It indicates a direction opposite to the positive direction
• How can you visualize the difference between distance and displacement?


  Distance:

  • Measured without direction
  • Can end anywhere on a circle

  Displacement:

  • Measured with direction
  • Specifies exact endpoint (e.g., three kilometers east)
• What are the key differences between scalar and vector quantities?


  Scalars:

  • Have only magnitude.
  • Examples: distance, mass, temperature, time.

  Vectors:

  • Have both magnitude and direction.
  • Examples: displacement, velocity, force, momentum.
• Describe what is meant by a 'scalar' quantity


  Scalar quantities only have a magnitude with no direction.
• Describe what is meant by a 'vector' quantity.


  Vector quantities have both a magnitude and direction.