Scalars and vectors GSEB/CBSE/JEE/NEET

If Minimum two coordinates are required to describe motion of a particle, this motion is called two dimensional motion or motion in a plane.

1.   Scalars and vectors

      

·        In physics, we can classify quantities as scalars or vectors.

·        Basically, the difference is that a direction is associated with a vector (M+D) but not with a scalar. A scalar quantity is a quantity with magnitude only.

·        Example: Vector  Displacement, Velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, impulse, etc.

                          Scalar  Length, mass, time, volume, temperature, speed, work, energy,… etc.

  

No.	Scalar	Vector
1.	It has magnitude only.	It has magnitude as well as direction. (M+D)
2.	They change if their magnitude changes.	They change if their magnitude, direction or both changes.
3.	Scalars can be added or subtracted according to the rules of algebra.	Vector are added or subtracted by geometrical (graphical) method or vector algebra.
4.	It has no proper symbol.	It is represented by symbol  arrow.
5.	The division of a scalar by another scalar is valid.	The division of a vector by another vector is not valid.
6.	Scalar  Length, mass, time, volume, temperature, speed,	Example: Vector  Displacement, Velocity, acceleration, force,

·        Symbolically a vector is represented by a single latter with an arrow , such as force . The magnitude (value) of the vector  is denoted as   or F.

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