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

Geo stationary satellites, The satellites which seem at rest relative to ea...

The satellites which seem at rest relative to earth or which has same angular velocity as that of earth's rotation i.e. with a time phase of 24 hours, such satellite have to be ope

Causality principle for the klein- gordon equation, Suppose Fluid (say, wat...

Suppose Fluid (say, water) occupies a domain D and has velocity field V=V(x, t). A substance (say, a day) is suspended into the fluid and will be transported by the fluid as well

How resistivity depend on the size and shape of wire, Wires A as well as wi...

Wires A as well as wire B are both made out of copper. Wire B is double as long as wire A. The diameter of wire B is doubles that of wire A. Answer: Resistivity is a charac

Explain newton''s second law of motion, NEWTON'S SECOND LAW OF MOTION: ...

NEWTON'S SECOND LAW OF MOTION: This law states that "A force applied on body produce acceleration in its own direction. The acceleration differs directly with the applied force

What is temperature of inversion, Q What is temperature of inversion? ...

Q What is temperature of inversion? Maintain the temperature of the cold junction constant the temperature of the hot junction is gradually increased. The thermo emf increase

Instantaneous angular acceleration, Concurrent angular acceleration means a...

Concurrent angular acceleration means angular acceleration at a particular dot instant at t = t 1 mathematically it is given as,

Estimate the power, An engineer is making an estimate for a home owner. Thi...

An engineer is making an estimate for a home owner. This owner has a small stream (Q = 1.4 cfs, T = 40°F) that is located at an elevation H = 34 ft above the owner's residence. The

What sources electromagnetic radiation, Question: What sources electrom...

Question: What sources electromagnetic radiation (a.k.a. light a.k.a. electromagnetic waves)? select the one BEST answer. Answer: Note the significant distinction betwe

Classes of magnetic materials: diamagnetism, Diamagnetism is a basic proper...

Diamagnetism is a basic property of all matter, though it is generally very weak. It is due to the no cooperative behaviour of oepenrbiting electrons when exposed to an applied mag

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