Question

Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors. (i) 10 kg (ii) 2 metres north-west (iii) 40° (iv) 40 watt (v) 10 –19 coulomb (vi) 20 m/s 2

Answer 1

Scalar quantities are those quantities which have only magnitude.

Vector quantities are those quantities which have both magnitude and direction.

(i)

Given, 10 kgis the mass, which has only magnitude.

Thus, it is a scalar quantity.

(ii)

Given, 2 meterhas magnitude and north-west is the direction.

Thus, it is a vector quantity.

(iii)

Given, 40° has only magnitude.

Thus, it is a scalar quantity.

(iv)

Given, 40 wattis the power, which has only magnitude.

Thus, it is a scalar quantity.

(v)

Given, 10 −19  coulomb is the electric charge, which has only magnitude.

Thus, it is a scalar quantity.

(vi)

Given, 20  m/s 2 has magnitude as well as direction.

Thus, it is a vector quantity.