vectors ( scalars vs vectors )

Summary

In physics, not all quantities are the same somethings only need a number and a unit like mass or time. These are called scalars other things also need a direction like velocity or displacement. These are called vectors. Vectors are often drawn as arrows with the length shows how big the value is and the arrow direction shows which way it’s pointing.

• Scalar – number + unit

• Vector – number + unit + direction

Examples of scalars

• Mass (kg)

• Time (s)

• Energy (j)

  Examples of vectors

• Displacement

• Velocity

• Acceleration

• Vectors are drawn as arrows

• Arrow length = magnitude

• Arrow direction = direction