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Magnitude

Definition

Magnitude refers to the size or amount of something, without considering its direction. In physics, it typically refers to the numerical value or absolute value of a vector quantity.

Analogy

Think about measuring the height of a building using only a ruler. You are only concerned with how tall it is, not which way it's leaning.

Related terms

Scalar Quantity: A physical quantity that can be described by its magnitude only (e.g., temperature).

Direction: The path along which something moves or points.

Acceleration: The rate at which an object's velocity changes over time.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.