Usually, both these terms sound the same, but there is a difference between scalar and vector quantities. Both these quantities are used to represent the motion of an object.
| Table of Content |
Difference Between Scalar and Vector
A scalar quantity is different from a vector quantity in terms of direction. Scalars don’t have direction, whereas a vector has. Due to this feature, the scalar quantity can be said to be represented in one dimension, whereas a vector quantity can be multi-dimensional. From the table given below, let us learn more differences between scalars and vectors.
| Difference Between Scalar and Vector | |
|---|---|
| Scalar | Vector |
| It has only the magnitude | It has direction and magnitude |
| Only one dimensional | It is multidimensional |
| This quantity changes with the change in magnitude | This changes with magnitude and direction |
| Normal rules of algebra are applicable here | There is a different set of rules known as vector algebra |
| One scalar quantity can divide another scalar | One vector cannot divide another vector |
| In the example of speed, time, etc., the distance between the points is a scalar quantity, not the direction | Velocity could be an example because it is a measurement of the rate of change of an object’s position |
Read More: Scalars and Vectors
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q1
Give two examples of scaler quantities.
Time & Distance
Q2
Give two examples of vector quantities.
Velocity & Acceleration.
Q3
Write down two differences between scalar and vector quantities.
- Scalar quantities have only the magnitude and Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction.
- In a scalar quantity, the normal rules of algebra are applicable but in vector quantity different set of rules is known as vector algebra.
Q4
What are vector quantities?
Mathematicians and scientists call a quantity which depends on the direction a vector quantity. Vector quantities have two characteristics, magnitude and direction.
Q5
Does scalar quantities depend upon the frame of reference?
Scalar Quantity is unaffected by the frame of reference.
| Scalar and Vector Product | Addition and subtraction of Vectors |
Watch the Video to Find Out What Are Base Measurements?
Good explanation
This is very helpful!