Question

What is the difference between a vector and a scalar? Give five examples of each.

Answer 1

Scalar Vector

Meaning A scalar quantity has only magnitude, but no direction. Vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

Quantities Every scalar quantity is one-dimensional. Vector quantity can be one, two or three-dimensional.

Change It changes with the change in their magnitude It changes with the change in their direction or magnitude or both.

Resolution Scalar quantity cannot be resolved as it has exactly the same value regardless of direction. Vector quantity can be resolved in any direction using the sine or cosine of the adjacent angle.

Operation Any mathematical operation carried out among two or more scalar quantities will provide a scalar only. However, if a scalar is operated with a vector then the result will be a vector. The result of mathematical operations between two or more vectors may give either scalar or vector. For example, the dot product of two vectors gives only scalar; while, cross product, summation, or subtraction between two vectors results in a vector.

Answer 2

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The physical quantity, which comprises of both magnitude and direction, is termed as a vector quantity. For example, velocity, momentum, force, etc are some of the examples of scalar.