Question

Identify which of the following quantities is a scalar quantity?
A. displacement
B. mass
C. resultant
D. equilibrant
E. \[101\;{\rm{m/s}}\] at \[30^\circ \] north of east

Answer 1

Hint:The above problem can be resolved using the concepts of the scalar and the vector quantity used to define any physical quantity. The scalar quantity is the one that needs to be defined in terms of its magnitude only, but there is no significance of the direction in this case. Thus, it is to analyse the quantity that uses the magnitude only for its explanation.

Complete step by step answer:
Any physical quantity can be categorized as the scalar quantity if that particular quantity is defined utilising the magnitude only and no other variables like direction. Among the given quantities, the displacement possesses the magnitude and well as the direction for its complete definition. On the other hand, the mass is the only quantity that does not require the direction; rather, it is sufficient to designate it by the numerical value or the magnitude.
Therefore, out of the given options, the mass is only scalar quantity and option (B) is correct.

Note:In order to resolve the given problem, one must be clear regarding the concept of scalar and vector quantities. Try to gather information about the applications of such terms involved in applied physics. In addition, the scalar quantity is signified only by utilising the numerical value or the magnitude, but in case of the vector quantity, one must define the direction of the quantity.