Book Description

Scalar &Vector Quantities All quantities can be one of two types: • Ascalar • Avector Scalars • Scalars are quantities that have only a magnitude • Forexample, massisascalarsince it is a quantity that has magnitude without a direction • Aquantity which is completely specified by a certain number associated with a suitable unit without any mention of direction in space is known as scalar. • Examples of scalar are time, mass, length, volume, density, temperature, energy, dis tance, speed etc. • The number describing the quantity of a particular scalar is known as its magnitude. • Thescalars are added subtracted, multiplied and divided by the usual arithmetical laws. Vector • Vectors have both magnitude and direction • Aquantity which is completely described only when both their magnitude and direction are specified is known as vector. • Examples of vector are force, velocity, acceleration, displacement, torque, momentum, gravitational force, electric and magnetic intensities etc. • Avector is represented by a Roman letter in bold face and its magnitude, by the same letter in italics.

Thus V means vector and V is magnitude.

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