Scalar equation

Definition

A scalar equation involves only scalar quantities, which are physical quantities that have magnitude but no direction. Scalar equations are often used to represent relationships in physics where direction is not a factor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scalars can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided by using standard arithmetic operations.
2. Common examples of scalars include temperature, mass, and energy.
3. Scalar equations do not involve vectors; they only involve magnitudes.
4. In mechanics, scalar equations can describe quantities such as work done or potential energy.
5. The result of a scalar equation is always a single number representing the magnitude of the quantity.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes a scalar equation from a vector equation?
• Name three physical quantities that can be described using scalar equations.
• How do you perform arithmetic operations on scalars?

Related terms

Vector Equation: An equation involving vectors, which are quantities having both magnitude and direction.

Magnitude: The size or length of a vector or the absolute value of a scalar.

Work: $W = Fd \cos(\theta)$; A mechanical quantity calculated as the product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.