Scalar

Definition

A scalar is a physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction. Examples include mass, temperature, and electric potential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scalars can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided like ordinary numbers.
2. Temperature is a scalar because it does not have a direction.
3. In kinematics, speed is a scalar quantity whereas velocity is a vector.
4. Electric potential is a scalar quantity related to the electric field.
5. Scalars are used in physics to simplify calculations involving quantities that do not involve direction.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a scalar from a vector?
• Give three examples of scalar quantities commonly used in physics.
• How does the addition of scalars differ from the addition of vectors?

Related terms

Vector:

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples include displacement, velocity, and force.

Magnitude:

The size or amount of a quantity. For vectors, it represents the length or size without regard to direction.

Electric Field:

\(\text{A region around a charged particle where an electric force is exerted on other charged particles. It is represented by vectors pointing in the direction of the force.}\)