The scalar value differs from the vector quantity in direction. A scalar has no direction, while a vector does. Because of this feature, scalar quantities can be said to be represented in one dimension, while vector quantities can be multidimensional.
What is Scalar?
A quantity that is not just a numeral is called a scalar quantity. For example, length, mass, and speed are examples of scalars.
The scale value is one that has only magnitude but no direction. So, it’s just a number with a matching unit. For example, length, weight, time, speed, etc. are scalars, so they have no direction. The scale has no specific instructions for use, and its value will be exactly the same in each direction.
The scalar value will be the same in all directions. Therefore, each scalar is a one-dimensional parameter. Therefore, any change in a scalar quantity reflects only a magnitude change, as there is no direction associated with it.
The rules of ordinary algebra can be used to add scalar quantities, where scalars can be added, subtracted or multiplied like numbers but it should be possible to handle scalar quantities with the same unit of measurement. The multiplication of two scalar quantities is known as factorial multiplication.
What is a Vector?
A vector has a different magnitude and direction with a unit of magnitude. Therefore, when defining or quantifying a vector, it is critical to specify the direction of the effect and its value or magnitude. There are vectors such as displacement, load, force and velocity.
The number in a vector represents the magnitude of the quantity, which is also its absolute value, and the direction represents the direction, ie, east, west, north, south, etc. We express the vector quantity in another of parameters, that is, a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional parameter. Each change in the quantity of a vector indicates a change in size, a change in direction, or both.
Examples
A physical quantity with magnitude and direction is called a vector quantity. For example, velocity, momentum, and force are examples of scalars.
A vector can be resolved into a sine or cosine using adjacent angles (vector determination). The vector value follows the triangle rule of addition. The vector product of two quantities is called the cross product.
Difference between Scalar and Vector
| Scalar | Vector |
| It has only the magnitude | It has direction and magnitude |
| Only one dimensional | It is multidimensional |
| This quantity changes with the change in magnitude | This changes with magnitude and direction |
| Normal rules of algebra are applicable here | There is a different set of rules known as vector algebra |
| One scalar quantity can divide another scalar | One vector cannot divide another vector |
| In the example of speed, time, etc., the distance between the points is a scalar quantity, not the direction | Velocity could be an example because it is a measurement of the rate of change of an object’s position |
