Scalar and vector quantities

• Scalar quantity


  Quantity that has magnitude (size) only, and no direction
• Vector quantity


  Quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction
• Representing a vector quantity

  1. Using an arrow

  2. Length of arrow represents magnitude

  3. Direction of arrow represents direction
• Distance is a scalar quantity because it gives no idea of direction
• Displacement is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction
• In the example, the displacement is 500 meters due west from the starting point