VECTORS AND SCALARS

An Investigatory Activity

INTRODUCTION
In today’s world, various mathematical quantities depict the motion of objects into two

categories. The quantity is as either a vector or a scalar quantity which distinguishes from one

another by their difference and distinct definitions.

Physics is a mathematical science. The underlying concepts and principles have a

mathematical basis. Throughout the course of our study of physics, we will encounter a variety

of concepts that have a mathematical basis associated with them. While our emphasis will often

be upon the conceptual nature of physics, we will give considerable and persistent attention to its

mathematical aspect.

This activity will focus on the following objectives :

 Define what are vectors and scalars in physics

 Define vector quantities and scalar quantities

 Compare vector from scalar

I. CONTEXT

The motion of objects can be described by words. Even a person without a background in

physics has a collection of words that can be used to describe moving objects. Words and

phrases such as going fast, stopped, slowing down, speeding up, and turning provide a sufficient

vocabulary for describing the motion of objects. In physics, we use these words and many more.

We will be expanding upon this vocabulary list with words such

as distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration. As we will soon see, these words are
associated with mathematical quantities that have strict definitions. The mathematical quantities

that are used to describe the motion of objects can be divided into two categories. The quantity is

either a vector or a scalar. These two categories can be distinguished from one another by their

distinct definitions:

 Scalars are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude (or numerical value) alone.

 Vectors are quantities that are fully described by both a magnitude and a direction.

Characteristics of Vector

 They possess both magnitudes as well as direction.

 They do not obey the ordinary laws of Algebra.

 These change if either the magnitude or direction change or both change.

Unit Vector

A unit vector is that vector which is a vector of unit magnitude and points in a

particular direction. The unit vector in the direction of A⃗ is A^ and is defined by –

| A | A^ = A⃗

The unit vectors along the x, y and z-axis is i^, j^, and k^ respectively.
Equal Vectors

Vectors A and B are equal if | A | = | B | as well as their directions, are same.

Zero Vectors

Zero vector is a vector with zero magnitudes and an arbitrary direction is a zero vector.

It can be represented by O and is a Null Vector.

Negative of a Vector

The vector whose magnitude is same as that of a (vector) but the direction is opposite

to that of a ( vector ) is referred to as the negative of a ( vector ) and is written as – a (

vector ).

Parallel Vectors

A and B are said to be parallel vectors if they have the same direction, or may or may

not have equal magnitude ( A || B ). If the directions are opposite, then A ( vector ) is

anti-parallel to B ( vector ).

Coplanar Vectors

If the vectors lie in the same plane or they are parallel to the same plane, the vectors

are said to be coplanar. If not, the vectors are said to be non – planar vectors.

Displacement Vectors

The displacement vector refers to that vector which gives the position of a point with

reference to a point other than the origin of the coordinate system.

Scalars and Vector Quantities

 Scalar Quantities: The physical quantities which are specified with the magnitude or size

alone are scalar quantities. For example, length, speed, work, mass, density, etc.
  Vector Quantities: Vector quantities refer to the physical quantities characterized by the

presence of both magnitude as well as direction. For

example, displacement, force, torque, momentum, acceleration, velocity, etc.

Comparison between Scalars and Vectors

Criteria Scalar Vector

A scalar is a quantity with A vector is a quantity with the

Definition
magnitude only. magnitude as well as direction.
 Direction No direction Yes there is the direction

Specified A number (Magnitude) and a A number (magnitude), direction

by Unit and a unit.

Represented Quantity symbol in bold or an

Quantity symbol
by arrow sign above

Example Mass and Temperature Velocity and Acceleration

II. POINT OF VIEW

Therefore the significance of this activity regarding Vector and Scalar plays an important

role in studying physics. Primarily, this will yield to inform and deliver the concepts inclined

with Physics that has mathematical basis on it. The nature of physics, hence, from the start, will

lead you to mathematical aspects involving ancient history and rich contents of studying it by

now.

III. REFERENCES

Journals and Websites

Joag, Pramod. (2016). An Introduction to Vectors, Vector Operators and Vector Analysis.

10.1017/9781316650578.

Physica Viva - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/1-Physical-examples-of-scalar-and-vector-

products_tbl1_294394905 [accessed Sep 5, 2019]

https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/1DKin/Lesson-1/Scalars-and-Vectors

https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/motion-in-a-plane/scalars-and-vectors/