Question

Pick out the scalar quantity from the following:

• A. Force
• B. Pressure
• C. Velocity
• D. Acceleration

Hint:

A vector quantity needs a direction to be completely described, a scalar does not.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: A scalar quantity needs only a magnitude to be fully described, while a vector quantity needs both a magnitude and a direction.

Step 2: Force is a push or pull that always acts in a particular direction, so it is a vector. Velocity is speed together with a direction of motion, so it is also a vector. Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity and points in a definite direction, so it too is a vector.

Step 3: Pressure is defined as force per unit area, but at a point inside a fluid, pressure acts equally in every direction and is fully described by a single number with a unit, such as pascal. It has no direction of its own attached to it.

Step 4: Since force, velocity and acceleration are all vectors, and pressure has magnitude only, pressure is the scalar quantity in this list.

Answer: Pressure, option B.