What is physical quantity? Types | Scalar quantity | Vector quantity

A natural object that can be measured is called a physical quantity. in other words, measurable things are called physical quantities.

Example: Length, mass, time, velocity, acceleration, movement, weight, etc. are examples of physical quantities.

  • Physical objects and physical quantities are not same. Iron, gold, water, wood are physical objects not physical quantity Because these cannot be measured.
  • Their weight, length, mass, volume etc are measured. That is why physical objects are not physical quantities.

Types of physical quantity

There are two types of physical quantities which are –

  1. Scalar quantity
  2. Vector quantity

What is scalar quantity?

A physical quantity that has only a magnitude but no direction is called a scalar quantity. in other words, quantities that can only be expressed by magnitude ​​are called scalar quantities.

For example:

  • Mass
  • Speed
  • Distance
  • Time
  • Area

All these quantity’s are expressed by magnitude ​​only. No direction is required.

What is Vector quantity

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction is called a vector quantity. in other words, quantities are expressed by values ​​and directions. These quantities are called vector quantities.

Examples of Vector Quantities

  • Displacement
  • Momentum
  • Angular velocity
  • Force
  • Linear momentum
  • Acceleration