Scalar and Vector Quantities

• What defines a scalar quantity?

  It has only magnitude, no direction
• What is another term for magnitude?

  Size
• Why is speed considered a scalar quantity?

  It has no direction
• If a car travels at 22 meters per second, what is the magnitude?

  22 meters per second
• Name three examples of scalar quantities.

  Distance, mass, temperature
• What distinguishes vector quantities from scalar quantities?

  Vectors have both magnitude and direction
• List four examples of vector quantities.

  Velocity, displacement, acceleration, force
• How does distance as a scalar quantity affect our understanding of movement?

  It provides no information about direction
• If you walk three kilometers without a specified direction, what does this represent?

  A scalar quantity (distance)
• What happens when you specify a direction while walking three kilometers?

  You define a vector quantity (displacement)
• How do we visually represent vectors?

  Using arrows indicating magnitude and direction
• How would you represent four kilometers north as a vector?

  As an arrow pointing north, length four
• What does a shorter arrow represent in vector representation?

  A smaller magnitude of the vector
• How can you express a negative vector using directional terms?

  Label it as negative in the opposite direction
• What are the key differences between scalar and vector quantities?

  • Scalars: Only magnitude, no direction
  • Vectors: Both magnitude and direction
• How do you determine the direction of a vector?

  • Use arrows to indicate direction
  • Length of arrow shows magnitude
• What are the implications of using scalar versus vector quantities in physics?

  • Scalars simplify calculations
  • Vectors provide complete information about motion