Identifying Scalars and Vectors

Thread starter jorden@u
Start date Nov 17, 2014
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Scalars Vectors

In summary, scalars and vectors are both mathematical quantities used to describe physical quantities in science. Scalars have only magnitude, while vectors have both magnitude and direction. To identify a scalar or vector, one must determine if the quantity has both magnitude and direction. A physical quantity cannot be both a scalar and a vector at the same time. Scalars and vectors are used in science to understand and solve problems in the physical world.

Nov 17, 2014

jorden@u

hai, can anybody say how to identify scalar and vectars

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Nov 17, 2014

jedishrfu

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If the quantity of interest has a direction associated with then it's a vector quantity. If it's just a value then it's a scalar.

Can you name some scalars?

And can you name some vector quantities?

Related to Identifying Scalars and Vectors

1. What are scalars and vectors?

Scalars and vectors are both mathematical quantities used to describe physical quantities in science. Scalars are quantities that have only magnitude, or size. Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction.

2. How do you identify a scalar or vector in a problem?

To identify a scalar or vector, you must determine if the quantity in question has both magnitude and direction. If it has only magnitude, it is a scalar. If it has both magnitude and direction, it is a vector.

3. Can a physical quantity be both a scalar and a vector?

No, a physical quantity can only be either a scalar or a vector. It cannot be both at the same time. However, some quantities can be described as a combination of scalars and vectors, such as displacement.

4. What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

The main difference between a scalar and a vector is that a scalar only has magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. Scalars can be added and subtracted using basic arithmetic, while vectors require vector addition and subtraction rules.

5. How are scalars and vectors used in science?

Scalars and vectors are used in science to describe physical quantities and their relationships in the natural world. They are essential in fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics to understand and solve problems in the physical world.