Vectors and scalars

A scalar is any physical quantity that is not directional.

For example, distance is a scalar because it takes no account of direction. Further examples of scalars include mass, density, volume and energy.

A vector is any physical quantity that has direction as well as magnitude.

Any vector can be represented as an arrow. The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the vector quantity. The direction of the arrow gives the direction of the vector.

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