Question
Distance is _______ quantity
- Scalar
- Vector
- Tensor
- None of the above
Hint:
Distance only has magnitude and no direction.
The correct answer is: Scalar
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A scalar is some quantity which obeys simple algebraic rules, for example, addition, subtraction, etc. A scalar may also be defined as a quantity that requires only magnitude to be identified. e.g. temperature, current, etc.
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A vector is any quantity which doesn't follow algebraic rules. The addition or subtraction of vectors is not equal to the algebraic sum or difference of their magnitude. A vector may also be defined as a quantity which requires both direction and magnitude to be identified in space. e.g. velocity, force, etc.
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A tensor is a quantity which has different values when measured in different directions in space. e.g. moment of inertia.
- So distance is a scalar quantity.
A scalar is some quantity which obeys simple algebraic rules, for example, addition, subtraction, etc. A scalar may also be defined as a quantity that requires only magnitude to be identified. e.g. temperature, current, etc.
A vector is any quantity which doesn't follow algebraic rules. The addition or subtraction of vectors is not equal to the algebraic sum or difference of their magnitude. A vector may also be defined as a quantity which requires both direction and magnitude to be identified in space. e.g. velocity, force, etc.
A tensor is a quantity which has different values when measured in different directions in space. e.g. moment of inertia.