Chapter 6.3, Problem 108E

To determine

To identify: The following quantity as a scalar or as a vector.

1. The muzzle velocity of a bullet.
2. The price of a company’s stock
3. The air temperature in a room.
4. The weight of an automobile.

Answer to Problem 108E

  $\left|z\right|=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$

Here x and y are the real numbers.

Explanation of Solution

Concept Involved:

Use the definition that the scalar quantity has only magnitude.

And the vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

Since the velocity has both magnitude and direction.

So, the muzzle velocity of a bullet is a vector quantity.

The price of a company’s stock has only magnitude.

So, this is a scalar quantity.

The air temperature in a room has only magnitude.

So, this is a scalar quantity.

Weight has both magnitude and direction.

So, the weight of an automobile is a vector quantity.

Conclusion:

1. The muzzle velocity of a bullet − Vector quantity
2. The price of a company’s stock − Scalar quantity
3. The air temperature in a room− Scalar quantity
4. The weight of an automobile − Vector quantity