Scalars and Vectors

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, examples, and classifications of scalar and vector quantities.

Scalars

Quantities that have only a magnitude.

Vectors

Quantities that have both magnitude and direction.

Distance

A scalar quantity and value describing only how long an object is or how far it is between two points, containing magnitude without direction.

Displacement

A vector quantity that describes the distance between two points along with the direction in which the distance is measured (for example, $100\,\text{km}$ north).

Velocity

A vector quantity described with both a magnitude and a direction, requiring both an object's speed and the direction in which it is travelling (for example, $60\,\text{km per hour}$ due west).

Mass

A scalar quantity that has magnitude without a direction.

Speed

A scalar quantity representing magnitude without direction, which is mentioned alongside direction when describing velocity.

Weight

A vector quantity that is identified as a type of force.

Electric charge

A scalar quantity possessing magnitude only, grouped in the table alongside pressure, density, volume, energy, and time.

Gravitational field strength

A vector quantity possessing both magnitude and direction, grouped in the table alongside electric field strength, weight, momentum, force, and acceleration.