The Difference between scalar and vector quantities is given here. Any quantity which can be measured by any method is called a physical quantity. all the physical quantities are divided into two groups.
- scalar quantities
- vector quantities
Scalar Quantities
Definition : The physical quantities, which are completely specified by their magnitude only are called scalar quantities.
Examples : Mass, time, distance, speed, work, energy, temperature charge etc
Vector quantities
Definition : the physical quantities which are completely specified by their magnitude and direction both ae known as vector quantities.
Examples : Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, torque, etc.
Difference between scalar and vector quantities
| SCALAR QUANTITIES | VECTOR QUANTITIES |
| Definition | |
| The physical quantities. which are completely specified by their magnitude only, are called scalar quantities. | The physical quantities, which are completely specified by their magnitude direction both are called vector quantities |
| Characteristics | |
| Scalar can be added, subtracted and Multiplied by a simple arithmetic method. | They are added, subtracted and multiplied by the geometric or trigonometric methods.
|
| Representation | |
| Scalar can be represented by a number i.e. 50 seconds. | A vector can be represented graphically by a directional line segment with an arrow. |
| Examples | |
| Mass, volume, time, distance, speed, density, work, energy, temperature, etc. | Area, displacement, velocity, acceleration force, momentum, torque, etc. |
