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Scalar quantity

Definition

A scalar quantity is a physical measurement that only has magnitude and no direction. It can be described by a single value.

Analogy

Imagine you are measuring the temperature outside. The temperature is a scalar quantity because it only tells you how hot or cold it is, without any information about which direction the heat is coming from.

Related terms

Vector quantity: A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. For example, velocity is a vector quantity because it includes both speed and direction.

Distance: Distance is a scalar quantity that represents the length of the path traveled by an object, without considering its direction.

Time: Time is also a scalar quantity as it only measures the duration or interval between events.



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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

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