What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

In physics, a scalar is a quantity of a one value to describe the size of a physical property, such as energy or distance. A vector is a quantity of two values that describe the direction in which a physical property acts and its size, such as force or displacement.

CB
Answered by Christopher B. Physics tutor

2096 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what is the total resistance of 2 resistors each with resistance 2 ohms in parallel?


Why does a wire get hot when current flows through it?


Explain the different sources of background radiation


why does applying the brakes of a car cause the temperature of the breaks to increase?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning