Scalars Vs . Vectors
Criteria Scalar Vector
Definition
A scalar is a quantity with magnitude only .
A vector is a quantity with magnitude and direction .
Direction No Yes
Specified by
A number ( magnitude ) and a unit
A number ( magnitude ), direction and a unit
Represented by quantity ’ s symbol quantity ’ s symbol in bold or an arrow sign above
Example mass , temperature velocity , acceleration
Position and Displacement Vectors
Position Vector : Position vector of an object at time t is the position of the object relative to the origin . It is represented by a straight line between the origin and the position at time t .
Displacement Vector : Displacement vector of an object between two points is the straight line between the two points irrespective of the path followed . The path length is always equal or greater than the displacement .