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Scalar

A scalar is a physical quantity that is fully described by magnitude and unit, without direction.

Full explanation

A scalar is a physical quantity that is fully described by magnitude and unit, without direction.

Scalars describe size only. Distance, speed, time, mass, and energy are common examples.

Formula / representation

A scalar value is written as a number with its unit, for example 6m.

Units
depends on the classified quantity
Common misconceptions
  • Assuming every positive quantity is a scalar.
  • Omitting the unit because a scalar does not have direction.
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