Thursday 9 August 2018

Scalar, vector and tensor quantity


What is scalar quantity, vector quantity & tensor quantity?

To define any scalar quantity we required only magnitude of that quantity. So, those quantity which can be fully defined based on their magnitude only are scalar quantities. eg. Time, volume, speed etc.

To define any vector quantity we required  magnitude as well as direction of that quantity. So, those quantity which can be fully defined based on their magnitude and direction are vector quantities. By knowing only the magnitude of it, it cannot be fully defined. eg. velocity, acceleration etc.

To define a tensor quantity we required magnitude, direction and the area or plane on which it is acting. So those quantity which can be fully defined only by knowing all three of these are tensor quantity. eg. Stress on a material

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