Select the CORRECT option from the following.a)Weight is the vector qu...
All physical quantities are classified into two types:
Scalar Quantity:
- A physical quantity having magnitude only is called scalar quantity. They have numerical value only and these quantities do not specify the direction
- Example: Length, Time, Speed, Mass, Density, Pressure, Temperature, Energy, Work, Power
Vector quantity:
- A physical quantity having both magnitude and direction is called vector quantities. It is represented by a straight line with an arrowhead
- Example: Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Momentum, Weight
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Select the CORRECT option from the following.a)Weight is the vector qu...
Mass and weight:
- Mass and weight are two different quantities that are often confused with each other.
- Mass is a scalar quantity that refers to the amount of matter in an object.
- Weight, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that refers to the force exerted on an object due to gravity.
- While mass is a measurement of the amount of matter in an object, weight depends on the gravitational force acting on that object.
Difference between scalar and vector quantities:
- Scalar quantities are those that have only magnitude and no direction. Examples include mass, temperature, and time.
- Vector quantities, on the other hand, have both magnitude and direction. Examples include displacement, velocity, and force.
Weight as a vector quantity:
- Weight is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.
- The magnitude of weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity, and its direction is towards the center of the Earth.
- The weight of an object can be calculated using the equation: Weight = mass x gravitational acceleration.
Mass as a scalar quantity:
- Mass, on the other hand, is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude and no direction.
- It simply represents the amount of matter in an object and is measured in kilograms or grams.
Conclusion:
- Based on the definitions and characteristics of mass and weight, we can conclude that the correct option is 'A': Weight is the vector quantity and mass is the scalar quantity.
- Weight has both magnitude and direction, making it a vector quantity, while mass only has magnitude, making it a scalar quantity.