Describe the key difference between a scalar and a vector quantity

A scalar quantity is one that only has magnitude while a vector has magnitude and an associated direction. For example, temperature is a scalar quantity because temperature only has magnitude/ size, there is no direction associated with temperature. In contrast, force is a vector quantity as both the size of the force and the direction of the force are important when measuring it.

Answered by Olavo M. Physics tutor

7875 Views

See similar Physics IB tutors

Related Physics IB answers

All answers ▸

Could you please explain how does a general pulley system work and how I can solve problems associated with those?


calculate the velocity of a particle at a certain point in an arbitrary potential given its initial conditions?


How can an object in circular motion be accelerating when it's at the same speed?


Why is centripetal acceleration directed inwards to the centre of the circle during centripetal motion? If I’m in a car while it’s cornering, I seem to be pushed outwards away from the centre, not inwards.


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