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IGCSE Physics, Cambridge 0625, Malaysia

Scalar

A quantity that has magnitude only, with no direction.

Scalar quantities are fully described by a number and a unit. They have no direction.

Common scalars: distance, speed, mass, energy, time, temperature, pressure, power.

Compare with vector quantities, which have both magnitude and direction (displacement, velocity, force, acceleration, momentum).

Scalar quantities are added arithmetically: 5 m + 3 m = 8 m regardless of direction.

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