Understanding scalar and vector quantities

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Malaysia SPM Form 4, Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics
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Contents 1 Scalar Quantity 2 Vector Quantity 2.1 Vector Diagram 2.2 Symbol of Vector 3 Frequenly Asked Question 4 Additional notes 5 External Links

[edit] Scalar Quantity

• Scalars are quantities which are fully described by a magnitude alone.
• Magnitude is the numerical value of a quantity.
• Examples of scalar quantities are distance, speed, mass, volume, temperature, density and energy.

[edit] Vector Quantity

• Vectors are quantities which are fully described by both a magnitude and a direction.
• Examples of vector quantities are displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum, and magnetic field.

[edit] Vector Diagram

• A vector quantity can be represented by a line with arrow.
• The length of the line represents the magnitude of the vector and the direction of the arrow show the direction of the vector.
• The following diagram shows vector diagram and the tip (head) and tail of the vector.

[edit] Symbol of Vector

• The diagram above shows an example of a vector diagram. The vector can be written as

a) b) c) p

• The magnitude of the vector is written as or .

Example 1 Categorize each quantity below as being either a vector or a scalar.

Speed, velocity, acceleration, distance, force, displacement, energy, electrical charge, density, volume.

[edit] Frequenly Asked Question

[edit] Additional notes

[Additional notes content information relates to this topic but may not be in the SPM syllabus]

[edit] External Links

Webphysics Zona Land Uni. Guelph Physchem

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