What is the difference between a vector and a scalar?

A vector is a measurement of something that has more than 1 number associated with it, for example velocity. I can tell you how fast a car is going using the magnitude of velocity, speed, and I can tell you in which direction it is going. Another example is force. A force acts with a certain amount of Newton’s in some given direction. A scalar on the other hand is only associated with 1 number. An example is temperature. I can tell you what temperatures something is at and that is all I can tell you. There is no direction or other quantity involved. A second example is time.

Answered by Max Z. Physics tutor

3987 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

For a body of mass m orbiting a body of mass M with radius of orbit r, what is the minimum velocity that m needs in order to escape M's gravitational pull and end up infinitely far away from M?


What is electromotive force and how is it different to potential difference?


The diagram below represents a balloon just before take-off. The balloon’s basket is attached to the ground by two fixing ropes.Calculate the tension in either of the fixing ropes.


Which unit is equivalent to J kg^-1? a) m s^-1 b) m s^-2 c) m^2 s^-1 d) m^2 s^-2


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences