Question

Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors.
(i) 10 kg
(ii) 2 meters north-west
(iii) 40°
(iv) 40 watt
(v) $10^{-19}$ coulomb
(vi) 20 $m/s^2$

Answer 1

Scalar Quantities are those which have only magnitude.

Thus, among the given examples, 10 kg is just an magnitude.

Also, 40°, 40 watt, 10⁻¹⁹ coulomb and 20 m/s² are magnitude.

Thus, (i). (iii), (iv), (v), (vi).  all are Scalar.

Vector Quantities are those which have both magnitude and direction.

∴ 2 meter is the north west direction is an Vector.

20 m/s² is acceleration (which is a vector in Physics) but it is just an magnitude, there is no direction given so we will say it as scalar only. [Magnitude of Vector is Scalar.]

Hope it helps.