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⚛️ Physics  ·  NEET & JEE

Difference Between Scalar and Vector

Physical quantities are classified as scalars or vectors depending on whether direction matters.

In short

A scalar has only magnitude (e.g. mass, speed, temperature); a vector has both magnitude and direction (e.g. velocity, force, displacement).

Scalar vs Vector — Comparison Table

BasisScalarVector
MagnitudeYesYes
DirectionNoYes
AdditionOrdinary algebraVector (triangle/parallelogram) law
ExamplesMass, speed, time, energyVelocity, force, displacement, acceleration

Want to understand this fully? Read the Physics notes on this chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions — Scalar vs Vector

Is electric current a scalar or vector?
Electric current is a scalar quantity, even though it has direction, because it does not follow the vector law of addition — currents add algebraically at a junction.
Is temperature a scalar or vector?
Temperature is a scalar quantity; it has magnitude only and no associated direction.