Chapter 8.1 Vectors and scalars

Question 1

What is a vector quantity

Answer 1

Vector, a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Question 2

What is a vector quantity typically represented by?

Answer 2

It is represented by an arrow whose direction is the same as that of the quantity and whose length is proportional to the quantity’s magnitude.

Question 3

What is a scalar quantity?

Answer 3

A scalar is a physical quantity that only has a magnitude.

Question 4

What is a scalar quantity typically represented by?

Answer 4

Scalars are physical quantities represented by a single number and no direction.

Question 5

What is a displacement?

Answer 5

Displacement is an object’s change in position, only measuring from its starting position to the final position.

Question 6

What is the definition of magnitude?

Answer 6

Magnitude simply means how much?

Question 7

What does the direction of the arrow represent? (representing vector quantities)

Answer 7

• The direction of the arrow shows the direction of the vector quantity.

Question 8

What does the length of the arrow represent? (representing vector quantities)

Answer 8

• The length of the arrow represents the magnitude of the vector quantity.