Scalar quantities are quantities in which the magnitude is stated, but the direction is either not applicable or not specified.
Examples:
- Length
- Volume
- Mass
- Speed
Vector quantities are quantities in which both the magnitude and the direction must be stated.
Examples:
- Force
- Velocity
- Displacement
- Acceleration
It does not make sense to say that you’re applying a force of 10 N on a box without stating the direction. The force can be directed anywhere. Hence, you need to specify which direction the force is applied: 10 N in the horizontal direction on a box.
There will be more about how to differentiate speed, displacement, velocity and acceleration in the later chapter.
