Unit 1: Learning Target 1.3 Differentiate between speed (a scalar quantity) and velocity (a vector quantity)

Scalar quantities & Vector quantities Introduction: in science there are two types of measurements, scalar and vector quantities. The difference is in the information presented when expressing the measurement. Vector quantities include more information and are therefore more specific and detailed compared to scalar quantities.

Scalar quantities A scalar quantity is a measurement that only includes magnitude but not direction. Examples: Speed is a scalar quantity because it only tells you how fast you are moving, it does not tell you the direction of motion. (speed has magnitude but no direction) Distance is a scalar quantity because it only tells you how far you have traveled, it does not tell you the direction in which you traveled. (distance has magnitude but no direction)

Vector quantities A vector quantity is a measurement that includes both magnitude and direction. Examples: Velocity is a vector quantity because it tells you how fast you are moving and which direction you are moving. Position is a vector quantity because it tells you how far you moved and in which direction,

Speed & velocity Speed is defined as the distance traveled divided by the time taken to travel that distance. This is a scalar quantity because it only tells you how fast not which direction. Speed has a magnitude but no direction. Velocity is defined as the distance traveled divided by the time taken to travel that distance in a specific direction. (velocity is speed with direction) This is a vector quantity because it tells you how fast and which direction your are traveling. Velocity has magnitude and direction.