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Which of the following is an example of a scalar quantity?
Force
Velocity
Temperature
Displacement
Temperature
Temperature is a scalar quantity because it is fully described by its magnitude alone and does not possess any spatial direction. In contrast, force, velocity, and displacement require both magnitude and direction to be completely defined, making them vector quantities.
Temperature is a scalar quantity because it is fully described by its magnitude alone and does not possess any spatial direction. In contrast, force, velocity, and displacement require both magnitude and direction to be completely defined, making them vector quantities.
Stating that a room's temperature is 25┬░C provides complete information; adding a direction like 'North' to the temperature makes no physical sense.
Remember 'MTS' for common scalars: Mass, Time, Speed (and Temperature).
Physical quantities are broadly classified into scalars and vectors based on their directional properties. Scalars obey the simple rules of algebraic addition, whereas vectors follow vector addition laws like the parallelogram law.
Scalar quantities have magnitude only and no direction.
Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction.
Temperature, mass, speed, and energy are classic scalar examples.
Thermodynamic measurements and weather forecasting use scalar temperature values.
Engineering calculations involving thermal expansion.
| Feature | Scalar (Temperature) | Vector (Velocity) |
|---|---|---|
Direction | Not required | Required |
Addition Rule | Algebraic addition | Vector addition |
Temperature SI unit is Kelvin (K), though Celsius and Fahrenheit are widely used.
Option A (Force), Option B (Velocity), and Option D (Displacement) are all vector quantities.
C is correct тАФ Temperature is a scalar quantity having only magnitude and no direction.
Questions on scalars and vectors are frequent in RRB JE; look out for subtle quantities like work (scalar) vs torque (vector).