2.1–2.5: Scalars, vectors and quantities

What is a scalar quantity?

A quantity with magnitude (size) but no specific direction.

What is a vector quantity?

A quantity with both magnitude (size) and a specific direction.

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar has magnitude only, whereas a vector has magnitude and direction.

Is distance a scalar or vector?

Scalar.

Is displacement a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is speed a scalar or vector?

Scalar.

Is velocity a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is acceleration a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is force a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is weight a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is mass a scalar or vector?

Scalar.

Is momentum a scalar or vector?

Vector.

Is energy a scalar or vector?

Scalar.

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is the total path travelled; displacement is the straight-line change in position in a specified direction.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is the rate of change of distance; velocity is speed in a stated direction.

What is velocity?

Speed in a stated direction.