Scalars and Vectors

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction. Examples include temperature, mass, and distance.

Front

What is a vector quantity?

Back

A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples include velocity, force, and displacement.

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total length of the path traveled, while displacement is the shortest straight line from the initial to the final position, including direction.

Front

If Sara walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters north, what is her total distance traveled?

Back

7 meters.

Front

If Sara walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters north, what is her displacement?

Back

5 meters northeast.

Front

Is speed a scalar or vector quantity?

Back

Speed is a scalar quantity.

Front

Is velocity a scalar or vector quantity?

Back

Velocity is a vector quantity.

Front

What happens to the displacement if you return to your starting point?

Back

The displacement is zero.

Front

If a car travels 60 km/h to the north, what type of quantity is this?

Back

This is a vector quantity.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final position - Initial position.