Scalar (Noun)
Meaning
A variable quantity that cannot be resolved into components.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Speed is a scalar, representing how fast an object is moving but not the direction it's heading in.
- A temperature reading is an example of a scalar quantity since it's just a number with no direction associated.
- Energy can be a scalar or vector, depending on whether we consider magnitude only or include the direction.
- Sound level, like volume or intensity, is considered a scalar as it can't be described by any particular direction.
- Distance between two points can also be treated as a scalar as we just look at how far apart the two points are, and not direction.