Scalar quantity

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A scalar quantity is a measurement that does not contain directional information,[1] but only magnitude.[2] It is opposed to a vector quantity, which contains both magnitude and direction.

Every real number is a scalar, because it contains only magnitude. Scalar quantities also exist in the real world, such as temperature. (Note, however, that the change in temperature is a vector.)

References

  1. Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
  2. Stewart, James. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. Brooks/Cole, 2008