Multiple Choice
In the context of scalars and vectors, how is speed different from velocity?
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3. Vectors
Review of Vectors vs. Scalars
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the physical quantity ?
A
is a scalar quantity because it can be negative.
B
is a vector quantity because it is always positive.
C
is a vector quantity because it always has a direction.
D
is a scalar quantity because it does not have a direction.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the definition of speed: it is the rate at which an object covers distance, regardless of direction.
Understand that speed is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude only and no direction associated with it.
Note that speed is always a positive value or zero, since distance cannot be negative.
Contrast speed with velocity, which is a vector quantity because it includes both magnitude and direction.
Conclude that the correct description is: speed is a scalar quantity because it does not have a direction.
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