Introduction to speed scalar or vector
A physical quantity can be classified into two categories – scalar and vector. A scalar quantity is one which can be completely defined by its magnitude alone. For example, physical quantities such as temperature and distance are scalar. On the other hand, vector quantities are those which can be completely defined only if both the magnitude and direction are defined. Some examples of vector quantities include displacement, acceleration etc. With this basic understanding, let us now understand whether speed is a scalar or vector. Interestingly, many times we use the terms ‘speed’ and ‘velocity’ interchangeably. However, when we start thinking in terms of concepts of scalars and vectors, we realize there is an important distinction between speed and velocity. Understanding Multivariable Chain Rule is always challenging for me but thanks to all math help websites to help me out.
Speed is a Scalar Quantity:
Speed is the rate at which a body moves. In can be measured as distance travelled per unit time and can be expressed in units such as miles/hour, miles/sec etc. To express the speed of a body completely we need not mention the direction in which the body is moving. As compared to this, velocity is defined as the rate at which a body moves in a particular direction. Hence, it may be alright to make a statement such as:
The bird is flying at a speed of 2 miles / hour.
However, to express velocity we need to express a statement such as:
The ball is moving at a velocity of 2 miles / hour in the direction of 30 degrees East of North from the origin.
Since, speed can be expressed completely by its magnitude alone, it is a scalar quantity. Is this topic Quadrilateral Definition hard for you? Watch out for my coming posts.
Examples of Scalar and Vector:
The difference between speed and velocity is better understood by considering the example of a ball moving at a constant speed in a circular path. For a body moving in a circular path, the direction is continuously changing. Since speed is a scalar quantity, it is possible to have a body moving in a circular path at a constant speed. However, since velocity is not a scalar, it changes when the direction changes (even if magnitude remains constant). Hence, for a body moving at constant speed in a circular path, the velocity is continuously changing!
A physical quantity can be classified into two categories – scalar and vector. A scalar quantity is one which can be completely defined by its magnitude alone. For example, physical quantities such as temperature and distance are scalar. On the other hand, vector quantities are those which can be completely defined only if both the magnitude and direction are defined. Some examples of vector quantities include displacement, acceleration etc. With this basic understanding, let us now understand whether speed is a scalar or vector. Interestingly, many times we use the terms ‘speed’ and ‘velocity’ interchangeably. However, when we start thinking in terms of concepts of scalars and vectors, we realize there is an important distinction between speed and velocity. Understanding Multivariable Chain Rule is always challenging for me but thanks to all math help websites to help me out.
Speed is a Scalar Quantity:
Speed is the rate at which a body moves. In can be measured as distance travelled per unit time and can be expressed in units such as miles/hour, miles/sec etc. To express the speed of a body completely we need not mention the direction in which the body is moving. As compared to this, velocity is defined as the rate at which a body moves in a particular direction. Hence, it may be alright to make a statement such as:
The bird is flying at a speed of 2 miles / hour.
However, to express velocity we need to express a statement such as:
The ball is moving at a velocity of 2 miles / hour in the direction of 30 degrees East of North from the origin.
Since, speed can be expressed completely by its magnitude alone, it is a scalar quantity. Is this topic Quadrilateral Definition hard for you? Watch out for my coming posts.
Examples of Scalar and Vector:
The difference between speed and velocity is better understood by considering the example of a ball moving at a constant speed in a circular path. For a body moving in a circular path, the direction is continuously changing. Since speed is a scalar quantity, it is possible to have a body moving in a circular path at a constant speed. However, since velocity is not a scalar, it changes when the direction changes (even if magnitude remains constant). Hence, for a body moving at constant speed in a circular path, the velocity is continuously changing!
No comments:
Post a Comment