Understanding scalar and vector quantities
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Malaysia SPM Form 4, Chapter 1: Introduction to Physics
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Contents |
[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.
| Example 1 |
| Example 1
Categorize each quantity below as being either a vector or a scalar. Speed, velocity, acceleration, distance, displacement, energy, electrical charge, density, volume, length, momentum, time, temperature, force, mass, power, work, impulse. Answer:
Vector Quantities:
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[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
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