Vectors and Vector Addition

Vocabulary flashcards defining scalar and vector quantities, their physical properties, mathematical rules, and real-life examples from the lecture.

Vector

A physical quantity that is fully described by both magnitude (size or amount) and direction.

Scalar

A quantity described by magnitude alone, telling only how much of something exists without a direction.

Magnitude

The size or numerical value and unit of a quantity.

Speed

A scalar quantity that describes how fast an object travels, such as a car moving at $60\,\text{km/h}$.

Velocity

A vector quantity that includes both speed and direction, such as a car traveling at $60\,\text{km/h North}$.

Distance

A scalar quantity measuring how far an object has moved, such as walking $5\,\text{km}$.

Displacement

A vector quantity measuring the change in position in a specific direction, such as walking $5\,\text{km East}$.

Force

A vector quantity requiring both an amount, such as $20\,\text{Newtons}$, and a specific direction to be fully described.

Scalar Examples

Mass, temperature, distance, speed, time, and energy.

Vector Examples

Weight, displacement, velocity, force, acceleration, and momentum.

Scalar Math Rules

Calculations that use standard algebra, for example: $5\,\text{kg} + 5\,\text{kg} = 10\,\text{kg}$.

Vector Math Rules

Calculations that require the use of vector algebra or geometry.

Acceleration

A vector quantity describing the rate of change of velocity, such as a car accelerating at $3\,\text{m/s}^2\text{ East}$.

Temperature

A scalar quantity that indicates the magnitude of heat in a location, like $30^{\circ}\text{C}$ in Pasay City, without a direction.

Mass

A scalar quantity describing an amount of matter, such as a $5\,\text{kg}$ bag or $1\,\text{kg}$ of rice at the palengke.