In the study of physics, what distinguishes a scalar from a vector?
In the study of physics, what distinguishes a scalar from a vector? A scalar is defined by a single numerical value, while a vector is characterized by both a magnitude and a direction. Scalars can be positive, but vectors can take on positive, negative, or zero values. It is incorrect to say that "vector" and "scalar" are different names for the same concept. Scalars possess only magnitude, whereas vectors have both magnitude and direction. Additionally, scalars are often considered dimensionless, while vectors are associated with specific dimensions.
3 Answers
A vector has both a magnitude and direction. A scalar only has a magnitude.
Think of going north in a car at 100km/hour. Your speed is 100km/hr but velocity is 100km/hr at 0 deg. Where does degree come into this? Think of going south at same speed. Speed is same but velocity is -100km/hour. velocity tells you at what angle you are moving with reference to some thing. I have taken north as reference.
I quote: "As a quick example, let's look at speed, which has dimensions of length divided by time or L/T. Its SI units are then metres divided by seconds, represented as m/s or m·s-1"
This quote is from
https://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/tutorials/dimanaly...
Who said a scalar is a dimensionless number?? Speed is not just 100 but 100km/hour
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