Scalar vs. Vector

When working in physics, there are multiple ways we can think about numbers: scalar values or vectors.

• Scalar values are numerical values alone, usually presented as magnitudes

  • examples: temperature; mass; energy; distance; speed; density

• Vector values are described as both magnitude and direction

  • examples: force; displacement; velocity; acceleration; momentum

  • vectors can be written as a description, in <x,y,z>, or in arrows, so be careful when you read the question

Scalar Quantity and Vector Quantity (~2 minutes):