# Vector And Scalar Quantities

### Scalar Quantity Definition

Physical quantities that can be fully described by giving a single number and an appropriate unit are called a Scalar quantity. Basically scalar is a synonym of number. For example, if Sam is driving a car at 65 miles per hour, the only information that can be drawn is a scalar measurement speed i.e., 65 miles per hour. But if we are informed that his car is moving southwest at  65 miles per hour then the information is a vector quantity as it also tells us the direction of the car too. Hence, scalar quantities are described completely based on magnitude.

Few other examples of scalar quantities are “an interview lasts 50 min” or “a gas tank of a car can hold 65 L” or “the distance between two poles is 100 m.”

### Vector Quantity Definition

We have spoken and understood what a scalar quantity is. So now let’s learn what a vector quantity means. Vector representation can be done as a physical quantity that cannot be fully described by a single number of physical units. For example, if you want to go to a place you’ve never been to, you not only need to know the distance you have to travel but also the direction of your destination. Hence, vector quantities are described on the basis of magnitude as well as direction. If you are studying motion, knowing about vectors is very crucial. Vectors allow the complex, multi-dimensional problems to be viewed as one-dimensional problems.

### Scalar Quantity Examples:

Here are a few scalar quantity examples that will help you to understand the concept better.

• There is no direction in mass but only value. Thus, it is a scalar quantity.
• Time, distance, temperature, length, volume, and energy are also examples of scalar quantities.
• The electric charge also has only value and no direction. Thus, this also comes under scalar quantity.
• Some examples of scalar quantities also include speed and power.

### Vector Quantity Examples:

Here are a few vector quantity examples which will help you to understand the concept better.

• Force has a value and a direction therefore the basic example of vector quantity can be a pull or a push. When we pull or push something, we apply strength i.e., force (magnitude) but it always includes a direction.
• Weight too not only has value but a direction. In fact, your weight is directly proportional to your mass (magnitude) which is always in the direction towards the center of the earth.
• Some other examples of vector quantities include velocity, acceleration, displacement, and momentum.

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### Addition Of Vector

The addition of two vectors can be defined as the diagonal of a parallelogram or law of parallelogram. According to this law, when two vectors say A and B are placed at the same point represented in magnitude as well as direction, the result will be in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram that passes through the same point.

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### Subtraction Of Vector

Subtraction of one vector from another is to be done in the same way as that of addition. The only difference will be that we will add the negative of the subtracting vector as shown in the picture.

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## Difference Between Scalar And Vector Quantity

 SCALAR QUANTITY VECTOR QUANTITY Scalar quantity has only magnitude. Vector quantities have two characteristics, i.e., magnitude as well as a direction While comparing two scalar quantities, only magnitude is to be compared. Since a vector has both magnitude and direction, we will have to compare both the magnitude and the direction while comparing two vector quantities.

### Notation

There is a difference between scalar and vector quantity hence, the vector has its own notation. The symbol of a vector can be written in many ways. One of them can be an arrow pointing to the right, just above it.

$\overrightarrow{F}$ represents the force vector

F represents the magnitude of the force vector

A vector is represented as an arrow having a head and a tail. The length of the arrow is the representation of the magnitude of the vector.

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### Few Interesting Facts About Scalars And Vectors

• An Irish physicist, William Rowan Hamilton is credited for inventing vectors.
• Vectors and scalars are very crucial in many fields of Mathematics and Science.
• Vectors can be represented in two dimensional or three-dimensional space.
• Vector graphics are sometimes used in computers. Vectors can be scaled to a larger size without even losing any image quality.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Question 1: How is Vector Important in Real Life?

Solution 1: Vectors are very important in physics as well as in aeronautics and space. It is very useful for traveling. Pilots and Sailors also use vectors to move from one location to another safely. Another important use of vectors can be seen in LOGO, a computer programming language.

Question 2: What are Some of the Characteristics of Vectors?

Solution 2: Some of the characteristics of vectors are listed below:

• Vectors symbolize both magnitudes as well as direction.

• Vectors do not obey the ordinary law of algebra.

• Change in either the magnitude or direction occurs or both changes.