What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a value that has only a size (otherwise known as magnitude), not a direction. A scalar is unaffected by the direction in which the object concerned is travelling. Examples include kinetic energy, speed and distance. A vector on the otherhand, has both size and a direction. The direction in which the vector is facing affects the value of the vector, even taking a negative value if it's travelling in the opposite direction to what you take as positive! Examples include momentum, velocity and displacement.

Answered by Sam T. Physics tutor

5044 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

During take-off from earth, an astronaut of mass 76kg has an area of contact with his seat of 0.095m^2. Calculate the average pressure on the seat when the upward acceleration of the rocket is 47ms^-2


Give an example of 3 different types of radiation stating their make up, penetration and ionising effect.


Explain quantitatively how an object can follow circular motion whilst on a ramp with no friction in the radial direction.


A sample of pure gold has a density of 19300 kgm^-3. If the density of a gold nucleus is 1.47x10^17Kgm^-3, discuss what this implies about the structure of the gold atom. [4 marks]


We're here to help

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

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences