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Scalar and vector quantities

Publisher Summary

This chapter focuses on scalar and vector quantities. Quantities used in engineering and science can be divided into two groups: scalar quantities and vector quantities. Scalar quantities have a size or magnitude and need no other information to specify them. Vector quantities have both a size or magnitude and a direction, called the line of action of the quantity.

Quantities used in engineering and science can be divided into two groups:

(a) Scalar quantities have a size or magnitude only and need no other information to specify them. Thus, 10 cm, 50 sec, 7 litres and 3 kg are all examples of scalar quantities.

(b) Vector quantities have both a size or magnitude and a direction, called the line of action of the quantity. Thus, a velocity of 50 km/h due east, on acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 vertically downwards and a force of 15 N at an angle of 30° are all examples of vector quantities.

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