Chapter - 1.1.2
All quantities can be one of two types:
A scalar
A vector
Scalars
Scalars are quantities that have only a magnitude
For example, mass is a scalar since it is a quantity that has magnitude without a direction
Distance is also a scalar since it only contains a magnitude, not a direction
Vectors
Vectors have both magnitude and direction
Velocity, for instance, is a vector since it is described with both a magnitude and a direction
When describing the velocity of a car it is necessary to mention both its speed and the direction in which it is travelling
For example, the velocity might be 60 km per hour (magnitude) due west (direction)
Distance is a value describing only how long an object is or how far it is between two points - this means it is a scalar quantity
Displacement on the other hand also describes the direction in which the distance is measured - this means it is a vector quantity
For example, a displacement might be 100 km north
Examples of Scalars & Vectors
Some vectors and scalars are similar to each other
For example, the scalar quantity distance corresponds to the vector quantity displacement
Corresponding vectors and their scalar counterparts are aligned in the table where applicable
Good