scalar vs vector
scalar — magnitude only
vector — magnitude + direction
same number, different physics
speed (scalar)
5.0 m/s
magnitude only — no direction
magnitude |v|
5.0
direction
none (scalar)
signed value
+5.0
distance vs displacement
A→B then B→C
—
distance (scalar)
—
displacement (vector)
—
scalar: speed, distance, mass
vector: velocity, displacement
same magnitude, opposite meaning
Scalar mode: only the magnitude matters. Speed = 5 m/s tells you how fast — not which way. Toggle to Vector to add direction.