Usually, both these terms sound the same, but there is difference between scalar and vector quantities. Both these quantities are used to represent motion of an object.
Difference Between Scalar and Vector
A scalar quantity is different from a vector quantity in terms of direction. Scalar don’t have direction whereas vector has. Due to this the scalar quantity can be said to be represented in one dimensional whereas a vector quantity can be multi dimensional.
| Difference Between Scalar and Vector | |
|---|---|
| Scalar | Vector |
| It has only magnitude | It has direction and magnitude |
| Only one dimensional | It is multi dimensional |
| This quantity changes with the change in magnitude | This changes with magnitude and direction |
| Normal rules of algebra are applicable here | There is different set of rules known as vector algebra |
| One scalar quantity can divide another scalar | One vector cannot divide another vector |
| In example of speed, time etc, the distance between the points is scalar quantity not the direction | Velocity could be an example because it is measurement of the rate of change of an object’s position |
These were some difference between Scalar and Vector. If you wish to find out more, download BYJU’S The Learning App.
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