vectors and scalars - State, for each of the following physical quantities, if it is a scalar or a vector : volume, mass, speed, acceleration, density, number of moles, velocity, angular frequency, displacement, angular velocity.

Grigori (last edited 1 year ago) (Student, UG2 Grade)

Before I answer, you should be familiar with scalar and vector quantities.

Physical quantities with just a numerical value or a size(magnitude) are called scalars. A scalar quantity is one that does not depend on its direction. You must compare the magnitudes of two scalar quantities of the same form when comparing them.

A physical quantity that has both direction and magnitude is known to as a vector quantity. You must compare the magnitude and direction of two vector quantities of the same form when comparing them. You must remember both the magnitude and the direction when performing some mathematical operation on a vector quantity (such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, etc.).

Step 1: Make a note of the physical quantities

Volume, mass, speed, acceleration, density, number of moles, velocity, angular frequency, displacement, angular velocity.

Step 2: Identifying the scalar quantities

Volume, mass, speed, density, number of moles, and angular frequency are all scalar quantities which have no particular direction and only magnitude.

Step 3: Identifying the vector quantities

Acceleration, velocity, displacement, angular velocity. are all vector quantities which has both magnitude and direction.