Differentiating between

Scalar and Vector Quantiti

Discussant: Teacher Cherry
 Objectives:

At the end of the lesson you will be

able to:
• Differentiate quantities in terms of
magnitude and direction;
• Use graphical and mathematical
methods of achieving the resultant of
vectors.
 Scalar Quantity
Is a quantity that can be completely described by a
magnitude only, that is, simply a numerical value
and a unit.
 Vector Quantity
Is a quantity that needs both magnitude and direction to
completely describe it.

50km north
• Vector give more information
than scalars due to direction.
• If in scalar, if your mass is 50kg,
it will remain 50kg even if you
face east or west or go far
beyond earth.
• Your body temperature does not
change even if you are standing
or lying down.
 Scalars
Symbol Name Example
d Distance 50m
s Speed 60kph
t Time 20s
E Energy 2,000 J

Vectors

Symbol Name Example

d Displacement 50m North

v Velocity 60 kph West

F Force 100 N up

a Acceleration 5 m/s2 down

Categorize each quantity as being either a
vector or a scalar
1. 37⁰ C
2. 100 kph
3. 20 m/s North
4. 5km Southeast
5. 4,000 calories
 Vector Representation
A vector is represented by a boldface,
that is, A or v.

Graphically, vectors are represented by

an arrow.
The length of the arrow represents the
magnitude of the vector while the
direction of the arrow represents the
direction of the vector.
Example 1: A displacement of 100 km to the East
Example 2: A force of 30N up
Example 3: A velocity of 60kph Northwest
 Mathematical method

10m + 10m = 20m 

10km + -10km  = 0
10m  + 20m  = 30m 
10km + -20km  = -10km 
20m + -10m = 10m
 Pythagorean Theorem

Is used for determining the

resultant of two vectors that
make a right angle of each
other.
This means that this method
cannot be applied in adding
more than two vectors that are
not at 90 degrees to each
other.
• Note
• c is the longest side of the triangle
• a and b are the other two sides
A man leaves his house and walks 8 km North then proceeded 6 km
West. Determine the man’s final displacement.