What are Vector and Scalar Quantities?

Scalars are physical quantities completely defined by a magnitude (a number) and a unit. They can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using standard algebraic laws. Examples include mass, distance, speed, density, volume, time, temperature, entropy, energy, charge, work, and potential.

Vectors are physical quantities specified by a magnitude, an appropriate unit, and a specific direction. They represent both a quantity and a direction simultaneously. Examples include displacement, force, velocity, acceleration, and momentum.

A vector is represented by a straight line parallel to its direction. The length of the line, to a certain scale, indicates the vector's magnitude. An arrowhead at one end specifies the vector's direction.

A unit vector has a magnitude of 1 and points in the same direction as a given vector. It is denoted by a letter with a cap (e.g., r̂ for vector r) and can be calculated by dividing the vector by its magnitude.

Various types of vectors include: Equal Vectors (same magnitude, direction, and unit), Zero or Null Vectors (zero magnitude, initial and terminal points are the same), and Free Vectors (can be displaced parallel to itself and applied anywhere, specified by magnitude and angles with coordinate axes).

A position vector represents a point's position in space relative to the origin, indicating both distance and direction. Resolution of a vector involves splitting a single vector into its rectangular components, which must be at a 90-degree angle to each other.

Vector graphics are digital images created using mathematical statements to define lines and shapes. A key advantage is that they maintain perfect quality and do not pixelate regardless of how much they are zoomed in.