Quantity with Magnitude and Direction
A quantity possessing both magnitude (size) and direction is classified as a vector quantity. Quantities that only have magnitude are called scalar quantities.
Analyzing Physical Quantities
Let's examine the options provided:
- Time: This is a scalar quantity. It only has a magnitude (e.g., 5 seconds).
- Distance: This is also a scalar quantity. It represents the total path length covered, having only magnitude (e.g., 10 meters).
- Speed: This is the rate of change of distance. It is a scalar quantity, representing only how fast an object is moving (e.g., 2 m/s).
- Velocity: This is the rate of change of displacement. It includes both the speed (magnitude) and the direction of motion (e.g., 2 m/s North). Therefore, velocity is a vector quantity.
Based on the definitions, Velocity is the quantity that has both magnitude and direction.
Important Questions from Physical Quantities
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) represents the unit of which of the following?
Which line on a meteorological map connects points of the same atmospheric pressure?
Which one of the following is a commercial unit of Energy ?
The energy $U$ stored in an inductor carrying a current $I$ is related to the magnetic flux $\Phi_B$ by the expression $U = \frac{1}{2} \Phi_B I$. What is the dimensional formula of magnetic flux ($\Phi_B$)?
Which of the following is a scalar quantity?
