Scalars and Vectors

The concept of scalars

A scalar quantity has magnitude only. It is attached to a unit of measurement such as degrees or metres.
Examples are: mass, length, speed, distance, temperature, pressure etc.

The concept of vectors

A vector quantity is one which has both direction as well as magnitude. Examples are: displacement,
velocity, acceleration, force, etc. A vector quantity is written with an arrow head over its symbol like A

Types of vectors

Vectors can be divided into two types:

1. Polar Vector: This is a vector which has a starting point and acts along the direction of motion of
body. Examples are displacement, force, velocity etc.
2. Axial Vector: An axial vector is the one that does not reverse its sign when the coordinate
system is changed to new system by a reflection in the origin. An example of an axial vector is
the vector product of two polar vectors, such as L = r x p. where L is the angular momentum of a
particle, r is its position vector, and p is its momentum vector.

Importance of vector quantities

1. Vector quantities can be applied into a multi-dimensional system because it considers both
magnitude and direction.
2. The study of vectors eases understanding of the existence of many laws in physics.

Differences between scalar and vector quantities

Scalar Quantity Vector Quantity

1. It does not include direction
2. It includes only one - dimensional
quantity
3. It changes with the change in
magnitude
4. Scalar quantity can divide another
scalar quantity
1. It has both magnitude and direction
2. It includes multidimensional quantity
3 It changes with the change in in its
direction or magnitude or both
4 Two vector quantities can never
divide