Which one of the following statement is true concerning scalar quantities?

Question

a) scarlar quantities must be represented by base units

b) scalar quantities have both magnitude and direction

c) scalar quantities can be added to vector quantities using rules of trigonometry

d) scalar quantities can be added to other scalar quantities using rules of trigonometry

e) scalar quantities can be added to other scalar quantities using rules of ordinary addition

Answer 1

Scalars are the closest thing to so-called "ordinary numbers" you'll deal with in physics.

You don't have to use base units.

They don't have a direction associated with them.

They don't play well with vectors; you can't really add a scalar to a vector at all.

You don't need to use trigonometry to add a scalar to another scalar.

Basically, you can add them together the way you've always added numbers in the past before this whole vector vs scalar thing came up!

e.

Answer 2

e)

Answer 3

a) is TRUE because you have to have a unit to measure it, only one unit though (40 mph is a scalar quantity, but 40 by itself is not).

b.) is false, scalar quantities only have magnitude NOT direction.

c.) is false since vectors have a magnitude and direction.

d.) is false since trigonometry involves two variables; direction and magnitude.

e.) is TRUE because you can add or subtract the scalar quantitative.

According to Wikipedia:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalar_quan...

"A scalar is a variable that only has magnitude, e.g. a speed of 40 km/h. Compare it with vector, a quantity comprising both magnitude and direction, e.g. a velocity of 40km/h north."