Physics
Differentiate between scalar and vector quantities, giving two examples of each.
Answer
Differences between scalar and vector quantities are as follows —
| Scalar Quantity | Vector Quantity |
|---|---|
| These are physical quantities which are expressed only by their magnitude. | These physical quantities require magnitude as well as the direction to express them, then only their meaning is complete. |
| We need two parameters to express a scalar quantity. | We require three parameters to express a vector quantity. |
| The parameters are: (i) unit in which the quantity is being measured (ii) numerical value of the measured quantity. | The parameters are: (i) unit (ii) direction (iii) numerical value of quantity. |
| Scalar quantities can be added, subtracted, multiplied and divided by simple arithmetic methods. | Vector quantities follow different algebra for their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. |
| Example: (i) If we say, mass of a body is 5 kg, it has a complete meaning and we are completely expressing the mass of the body. (ii) mass, length, time, etc. | Example: (i) A body is displaced by 5 metre towards east, then it has a complete meaning. (ii) velocity, acceleration, force, etc. |
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