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Question 6 of 29 in FORCES AND SHAPE

FORCES AND SHAPE

2 marks · Easy

Describe the difference between vector and scalar quantities. Give one example of each.

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A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction (e.g. force), while a scalar quantity has only magnitude (e.g. temperature or mass).

Also accept: Force is a vector; temperature is a scalar.

Common mistakes: Speed given as a vector; Distance given as a vector

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · 1 mark for correct definition of vector and scalar

B2 · 1 mark · 1 mark for suitable example of each (e.g. force/vector, temperature/scalar)

Worked solution

A vector has both magnitude and direction, e.g. force. A scalar has only magnitude, e.g. temperature.

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