Question

Identify each of the following quantities as a vector or a scalar quantity. Select the appropriate term from the dropdown beside each sentence.

700 J of kinetic energy.	Answer 1Choose...VectorScalar
A distance of 38 m.	Answer 2Choose...VectorScalar
A distance of 60 miles due north.	Answer 3Choose...VectorScalar
A temperature of 452 oC.	Answer 4Choose...VectorScalar
An acceleration of 80 m s-2 towards the east.	Answer 5Choose...VectorScalar
A tensile force of 600 N.	Answer 6Choose...VectorScalar
A speed of 50 m s-1 at a bearing of 25o.	Answer 7Choose...VectorScalar
A weight of 6.5 N.	Answer 8Choose...VectorScalar
A volume of 90 m3.	Answer 9Choose...VectorScalar
A cost of £50.	Answer 10Choose...VectorScalar

Answer 1

A scalar quantity is one in which only magnitude is of importance and mentioning direction is of no importance

Whereas, a vector quantity is one in which both magnitude and its direction are important to determine the quantity.

Such as one driver covers a distance of 100 m, which is its magnitude and the driver covers a distance due north of the origin. Which is its direction. So

Magnitude of total distance covered with direction mentioned is known as vector quantity, but mentioning only distance without any direction is known as a scalar quantity.

So, with above knowledge and concepts we can say

A) 700 J of kinetic energy = scalar quantity (since only its magnitude is mention as energy has no other entity such as direction)

B) distance of 38 m = scalar quantity

C) A distance of 60 miles due north = vector quantity (direction along with magnitude is mentioned)

D) temperature of 452 C = scalar quantity

E) an acceleration of 80 m/s² towards east = vector quantity

F) a tensile force of 600 N = scalar quantity

G) a speed of 50 m/s at a bearing of 25 degrees = vector quantity

H) a weight of 6.5 N = scalar quantity

I) a volume of 90 m³ = scalar quantity

J) A cost of £50 = scalar quantity