Scalar and vector quantities

Question 1

What is a scalar quantity?

Answer 1

A physical quantity that has only magnitude or size.

Scalar quantities do not have direction.

Question 2

Give three examples of scalar quantities.

Answer 2

• Temperature
• Mass
• Energy

Additional examples include distance, speed, and density.

Question 3

How do you add scalar quantities?

Answer 3

By adding their values together.

Example: Total mass = 75 kg + 15 kg = 90 kg.

Question 4

What is the formula to calculate the increase in temperature when heating a room?

Answer 4

Final temperature - Initial temperature

Example: 21°C - 12°C = 9°C.

Question 5

What distinguishes vector quantities from scalar quantities?

Answer 5

Vector quantities have both magnitude and an associated direction.

Scalar quantities only have magnitude.

Question 6

List three examples of vector quantities.

Answer 6

• Force
• Weight
• Displacement

Other examples include velocity, acceleration, and momentum.

Question 7

How is the direction of a vector represented?

Answer 7

In a written description or drawn as an arrow.

The length of the arrow represents the magnitude.

Question 8

True or False: Scalars can be subtracted by subtracting one value from another.

Answer 8

True

Example: Heating a room from 12°C to 21°C involves subtracting temperatures.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Scalar quantities only have _______.

Answer 9

magnitude

They do not have direction.

Question 10

What does it mean if one arrow representing a vector is twice as long as another?

Answer 10

It represents a force which has twice the magnitude.

The length of the arrow indicates the size of the quantity.