PH01-02 Physics Watch
Scalars and vectors
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In this lesson
In this video you'll learn about scalars and vectors for GCSE Physics. Video code: PH01-02 - search YouTube for "ScholaFly PH01-02" to come straight back to this video.
By the end: Decide whether any given physics quantity is a scalar or a vector, and describe a vector by giving both its magnitude and its direction.
What it covers
- A scalar has magnitude only; a vector has magnitude AND direction, and is not complete without both
- The classification each board prints: mass, temperature, time, energy, speed and distance as scalars; force, weight, velocity, displacement, acceleration and momentum as vectors
- Representing a vector as an arrow whose LENGTH gives the magnitude, drawn to a stated scale, and whose ARROWHEAD gives the direction
- The one-question test the viewer applies to any quantity: does this need a direction before it means anything?
- Stating a direction three legitimate ways - a compass point, a bearing, or a sign against a stated convention - and that a minus sign IS a direction, not a smaller number
- That a two-part answer about a vector needs both parts said out loud, even when one of them has not changed
Key words
For: AQA GCSE 8463, Edexcel GCSE 1PH0, OCR GCSE J249
On the specification
| Board | Spec | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| AQA GCSE 8463 | 4.5.1.1 | Scalar and vector quantities |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 2.1 | Explain that a scalar quantity has magnitude (size) but no specific direction |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 2.2 | Explain that a vector quantity has both magnitude (size) and a specific direction |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 2.3 | Explain the difference between vector and scalar quantities |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 2.4 | Recall vector and scalar quantities, including: a displacement/distance b velocity/speed c acceleration d force e weight/mass f momentum g energy |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 2.5 | Recall that velocity is speed in a stated direction |
| Edexcel GCSE 1PH0 | 9.2 | Explain the difference between vector and scalar quantities using examples |
| OCR GCSE J249 | P2.1d | Explain the vector–scalar distinction as it applies to displacement and distance, velocity and speed |
For teachers
This GCSE Physics lesson teaches scalars and vectors. By the end, students should be able to decide whether any given physics quantity is a scalar or a vector, and describe a vector by giving both its magnitude and its direction. It works through four worked examples and the mistakes examiners report, and suits Foundation and Higher tier students.