Define scalars and vectors.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definitions of scalars and vectors, which are fundamental concepts in physics and mathematics. Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude alone, while vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction.
Answer
Scalars have only magnitude; vectors have both magnitude and direction.
Scalars are physical quantities that have only magnitude, such as mass and electric charge. Vectors are physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as velocity and force.
Answer for screen readers
Scalars are physical quantities that have only magnitude, such as mass and electric charge. Vectors are physical quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as velocity and force.
More Information
Scalars and vectors are foundational concepts in physics that help describe motion and other physical phenomena.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse the properties of scalars and vectors, especially by assuming that quantities like speed that have magnitude but no direction are vectors.
Sources
- Scalars and Vectors - The Physics Classroom - physicsclassroom.com
- Intro to vectors and scalars (video) - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Scalars and Vectors - Definition, Examples, Notation, Differences - GeeksForGeeks - geeksforgeeks.org
