Difference Between Scalar And Vector Quantity

Difference Between Scalar Quantity And Vector Quantity

The major dissimilarities or difference between scalar and vector quantity can be described as follows:

1. Introduction

Scalar Quantity: A physical quantity that includes only magnitude (number value) and lacks direction is known as scalar quantity.

Vector Quantity: A physical quantity that includes both number value (magnitude) and direction is known as vector quantity.

2, Described By

Scalar Quantity: Magnitude only

Vector Quantity: Magnitude and direction

3. Dimension

Scalar Quantity: One dimensional quantity (magnitude)

Vector Quantity: Multi dimensional quantity (direction and magnitude)

4. Change In Quantity

Scalar Quantity: Change in scalar quantity means change in magnitude

Vector Quantity: Change in vector quantity means either change in magnitude or change in direction or change in both direction and magnitude.

5. Rules Of Algebra

Scalar Quantity: Normal algebraic rules are used

Vector Quantity: It uses the rules of vector algebra

6. Division

Scalar Quantity: One scalar quantity can be divided by another scalar quantity

Vector Quantity: One vector quantity cannot be divided by another vector quantity

7. Nature

Scalar Quantity: Simple and easy to understand than vector quantity

Vector Quantity: More complex than scalar quantity

8. Examples

Scalar Quantity: Temperature, length, speed, density etc. are some examples of scalar quantity.

Vector Quantity: Force, velocity, torque, weight etc. are some examples of vector quantity.

Scalar Quantity Vs Vector Quantity (Comparison Chart)

Basis	Scalar Quantity	Vector Quantity
Introduction	Physical quantity with magnitude only	Physical quantity with both value and direction
Described By	Magnitude	Direction and magnitude
Dimension Of Quantity	One dimensional	Multi dimensional
Change in quantity means	Change in magnitude	Change in magnitude, change in direction or both
Rules Of Algebra	Normal algebraic rules	Vector algebraic rules
Division	Possible	Not possible
Nature	Simple than vector	Complex
Examples	Speed, length, density etc.	Velocity, weight, force,etc.

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between scalar and vector quantity and to make comparison between them.