LESSON 1

VECTORS AND SCALARS

Learning outcomes
In this lesson, you are expected to have:

a. Learned the concept and background of vectors and scalars; and

b. Explain the component of a vector Distinguished English and Metric system.

Time Frame: 3 hours

Let’s begin
Many familiar physical quantities can be specified completely by giving a single
number and the appropriate unit. However, some physical quantities cannot be
described completely by just a single number of physical units. In this module, it will
tackle on the concepts of scalars and vectors along with its examples.

Fuel the Thrill

Answer the following questions:

1. Differentiate scalar and vector.

2. Identify the following as scalar and vector quantities.
a. speed c. 6 km East e. acceleration
b. 12 m/s, North d. mass f. 36 ºC

Let’s discuss

What is Scalar Quantity?

Scalar quantity is defined as the physical quantity with magnitude and has no
direction.

Some examples are:

Mass Speed Distance
Time Area Volume
Density Temperature
What is Vector Quantity?
 Vector quantity is defined as the physical quantity that has both direction as well
as magnitude.

Some examples are:

Momentum acceleration displacement
Velocity force weight

For further understanding, watch these scalar and vector video tutorials by clicking this
link:
https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-physics-1/ap-one-dimensional-motion/ap-
physics-foundations/v/introduction-to-vectors-and-scalars

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rcDXQ-5H8mk

Untwist the loop

I. Identification. Identify the following as scalar or vector.
1. 12 meters
2. 16 m/s
3. 3 mi/h, west
4. 50 kg
5. 50 N

II. Multiple Choice.

1. Which one of the following is not a vector quantity?
A. Velocity
B. force
C. energy
D. momentum

2. Which of the following pairs are both scalar quantities?

A. energy and force
B. speed and mass
C. temperature and velocity
D. volume and weight
E. density and acceleration

3. Which of the following pairs are both vector quantities?

A. weight and mass
B. velocity and speed
C. force and acceleration
D. acceleration and speed
E. velocity and energy

4. Which one of the following represents a scalar quantity?

A. The change in momentum of a rubber ball bouncing off the floor.
B. The velocity of an airplane flying at 300 km.h-1 on a bearing 0400
C. The speed of a car travelling at 100 km.hˉ¹.
D. The acceleration of an object thrown vertically upwards and which has reached the
highest point of its motion.

5. Which of the following contains one scalar quantity and one vector quantity?
A. acceleration; displacement
B. mass; weight
C. momentum; velocity
D. time; density

Speak your mind

Extend your horizon

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS TO REMEMBER
• Scalars can be completely specified by a single number (magnitude) together
with an appropriate unit of measurement.
• Vectors can be completely specified by a magnitude and a direction.
• Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, weight and momentum are all
examples of vector quantities.

Further Readings

Gibilisco, S. (2002). Physics Demystified, New York, McGraw Hill

OpenStax College (2012). College Physics.OpenStax College, Rice Univesity.
http://cnx.org/content/co.l11406/latest/

References

Cutnell, J.D. and Johnson K.W. (2010). Introduction to Physics, 8th Edition, International
Student Version. John Wiley & Sons, Inc