Question

Pick out the two scalar quantities in the following list : force, angular momentum, work, current, linear momentum, electric field, average velocity, magnetic moment, relative velocity

Answer 1

The given physical quantities are: force, angular momentum, work, current, linear momentum, electric field, average velocity, magnetic moment and relative velocity.

We know that the dot product of two vector quantities give a scalar quantity. Hence, work is a scalar quantity because work is the dot product of force and displacement.

The necessary condition for a quantity to be classified under Vector quantity is that the quantity under concern must follow the triangle law of vector addition. Although, current has direction, it does not follow the triangle law of vector addition. Hence, current is a scalar quantity.

Therefore, work and current are scalar quantities as they fulfill the conditions of a scalar quantity.