Explain scalars and vectors, Physics

Assignment Help:

Explain Scalars and Vectors

This is one of the harder ideas to get used to when you start learning physics. The trick is to see that there is one basic difference between a scalar and a vector.

A scalar can be described by only a number and a unit, sometimes, these two are lumped together and called the magnitude.

Here are some scalar quantities:

  • 54 m
  • 28.97 cm/s
  • 233.89 km/h

 

Vectors are a scalar quantity plus another part which tells the direction. To wrote a vector you need the number and unit part, magnitude plus a direction. When vectors are being represented by letters the letters appear in bold face like x, a, and i, and scalars will be standard letters like x, a, and i.

  • d = 34.7 m, due North
  • v = 66.0 m/s, 120 degrees

 

Example: your position from a certain point on a map is a vector, needs size and direction included, whereas your temperature only needs a size.  Don't sweat this now just refer to it later when it comes up.


Related Discussions:- Explain scalars and vectors

Describe motion in one dimension, Motion of an object in a straight line is...

Motion of an object in a straight line is called one dimensional motion. The location of a particle in one dimensional motion can be explained by only one variable (say x). For a p

State the law of radioactive decay, State the law of radioactive decay. Sho...

State the law of radioactive decay. Show that radioactive decay is exponential in nature. Does the activity of a radioactive element depend on external physical conditions? La

Manufacturing of transformers, Before manufacturing of transformers we must...

Before manufacturing of transformers we must know the important parts of transformer which need to be manufactured. Following are the main parts of transformers. (a)          Fo

Homework help, Describe an actual situation that would give rise to the fre...

Describe an actual situation that would give rise to the free body diagram

What is the cross-sectional area of a wire, Some wire of cross-sectional ar...

Some wire of cross-sectional area 1mm 2 has a resistance of 20 ?. Determine (a) the resistance of a wire of the same length and material if the cross-sectional area is 4mm 2 ,

Find the x-component of the electric field, Presume that you are given an e...

Presume that you are given an expression for the electric potential V(x,y) as a function of x and y valid for points in the first quadrant of a Cartesian coordinate system and aske

Optics, Describe the formation of Newton''s rings.

Describe the formation of Newton''s rings.

Draw a circuit diagram of a common emitter amplifier, Draw a circuit diagra...

Draw a circuit diagram of a common emitter amplifier by using n-p-n transistor. Show input and output voltages graphically. The current gain for common emitter amplifier is 59.

Hard ferromagnetic substances, Hard Ferromagnetic Substances: Those sub...

Hard Ferromagnetic Substances: Those substances that do not lose their magnetism or removing from magnetic field are known as hard magnetic substance such as steel.

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd