Scalar and Vector Quantities Flashcards

Flashcards to help learn definitions and examples of scalar and vector quantities.

Scalar

Any quantity that has a magnitude with no specified direction.

Scalar Quantity

A scalar quantity can be negative; the minus sign indicates a point on a scale rather than a direction.

Examples of Scalar quantities

A person's height, energy of sugar, a speed limit, and average winter temperature are examples.

Vector

Any quantity with both magnitude and direction.

Examples of Vector quantities

Velocity and force, where direction is specified, are examples.

Graphical Representation of Vectors

Vectors are drawn as arrows with length representing magnitude and direction representing the vector's direction.

Tip-to-Tail Vector Addition

A method for graphically adding vectors by placing them tip to tail.

Resultant Vector

The vector that points from the tail of the first vector to the tip of the last vector in a series of added vectors.

Distance

The magnitude or size of displacement between two positions.

Distance Traveled

The total length of the path covered between two positions.

Displacement

Change in position relative to a reference point; ∆𝑥 = 𝑥𝑓 − 𝑥𝑖.

Position

Where an object is at any particular time with respect to a reference point.