Scalar quantity

A scalar quantity is a measurement which has a magnitude only.

Magnitude is the size of the quantity - usually the number.

Examples of scalar quantities

• Length
• distance
• speed
• Temperature
• Charge
• Voltages (e.g. potential difference)
• Energy

Adding scalars

To add two scalars together, we just… add the scalars together.

For example:

• 2m+3m=5m
• 4V+2V=2V

Subtracting scalars

It works the same way as adding them:

• 5J-2J=3J
• 8\degree C - 3\degree C = 5 \degree C