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

5047 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by the doppler effect?


What is the difference between internal energy, temperature, and heat?


What is the difference between accuracy and precision?


Two railway trucks of masses m and 3m move towards each other in opposite directions with speeds 2v and v respectively. These trucks collide and stick together. What is the speed of the trucks after the collision?


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