Edexcel International A Level Maths: Mechanics 1

Revision Notes

1.1.1 Scalars & Vectors

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Scalars & Vectors

Mechanics uses a variety of different scalar and vector quantities.

What are scalars?

  • Scalars are quantities without direction, they only have a size (magnitude)
    • e.g. a speed of 7 m/s, a distance of 5 m, a time of 15 s or a mass of 12 kg

  • Scalars can only be positive- you can’t have a negative distance or speed!

What are vectors?

  • Vectors are quantities which also have a direction, this is what makes them more than just a scalar
    • e.g. two objects with velocities of 7 m/s and ‑7 m/s are travelling at the same speed but in opposite directions

  • Vector quantities can have positive or negative components
  • Some examples of vector quantities you may come across are displacement, velocity, acceleration, force/weight, momentum
    • Displacement is the distance moved in a given direction from a starting point
    • Velocity is a speed in a given direction (displacement over time)
    • Acceleration is the change in velocity over time

1.1.1 Scalars _ Vectors Diagram 1 , downloadable Edexcel A Level Mechanics revision notes

Vector quantities of displacement, velocity and acceleration

Worked example

1.1.1 Scalars & Vectors Example Solution, downloadable Edexcel A Level Mechanics revision notes

Exam Tip

  • Make sure you fully understand the definitions of all the words in this section so that you can be clear about what your exam question is asking of you
  • Vectors appear in bold (non-italic) font in textbooks, on exam papers, etc (i.e. F, α ) but in handwriting should be underlined (i.e. F , α )

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