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28 Dec 2025

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Understanding Vectors and Scalars in AS Level Physics

jayne

@k.jayn3

Ever wondered why pushing a box straight forward feels different... Show more

Vectors and Scalars

Scalars are simple - they're just magnitudes (sizes) without any direction. Think of distance: if you walk 5 metres, that's a scalar because it only tells you how far, not which way you went.

Vectors are more complex because they have both magnitude and direction. Displacement is a perfect example - walking 5 metres north is completely different from walking 5 metres south, even though the distance is the same.

When forces act on objects, you need to find the resultant force - the single force that has the same effect as all the individual forces combined. If forces push in the same direction, simply add them together. If they push in opposite directions, subtract the smaller from the larger.

For example, if you have 120N pushing right and 80N pushing left, your resultant force is 120N - 80N = 40N to the right. When forces act at angles to each other, you'll need Pythagoras' theorem $a² + b² = c²$ to find the resultant force magnitude.

Key Tip: Always draw force diagrams to scale - it makes visualising and calculating resultant forces much easier!

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Physics

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28 Dec 2025

•

1 page

Understanding Vectors and Scalars in AS Level Physics

jayne

@k.jayn3

Ever wondered why pushing a box straight forward feels different from pushing it at an angle? Physics distinguishes between scalars (just numbers) and vectors (numbers with direction), and understanding this difference is crucial for solving force problems.

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Vectors and Scalars

Scalars are simple - they're just magnitudes (sizes) without any direction. Think of distance: if you walk 5 metres, that's a scalar because it only tells you how far, not which way you went.

Key Tip: Always draw force diagrams to scale - it makes visualising and calculating resultant forces much easier!

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user