Scalars and Vectors

Scalar Quantities 

A scalar quantity has a size (magnitude) only.

Examples of scalar quantities are:

• Mass (kg)
• Distance (m)
• Speed (m/s)
• Time (s)
• Energy (j)

Vector quantities

A vector quantity has a size (magnitude) and a direction

Examples of vector quantities include:

• Displacement (m)
• Velocity (m/s)
• Current (a)
• Acceleration (m/s2)
• Force (n)

In diagrams, vectors can be represented by arrows. The size/length of the arrows is directly proportional to the size of the vector.The direction of the arrow is in the direction of the vector.