Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · Physics
Course version: 1PH0 · Version from Sept 2016
Explain that a vector quantity has both magnitude (size) and a specific…
Full specification wording
Topic 2 – Motion and forces: 2.2 Explain that a vector quantity has both magnitude (size) and a specific direction
A vector quantity is fully described only when you give both its magnitude and its specific direction.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1PH0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 32
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A vector quantity is fully described only when you give both its magnitude and its specific direction. Magnitude is the size with a unit; direction might be stated as, for example, 5 m/s due north or 20 N downwards. Displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and weight are vectors. Contrast this with a scalar such as distance or speed, which needs magnitude only. In a multiple-choice question, test each option by asking whether the quantity would be incomplete without a direction; if it would, it is a vector. Watch for options that give a size but omit the direction for a vector, or that label a scalar as a vector. A vector answer is complete only when both parts are present.
What earns the marks
- Selects the option that identifies a vector as having both magnitude and a specific direction.
- Rejects an option that describes a vector using magnitude alone.
- Recognises displacement, velocity, acceleration, force and weight as vector quantities.
- Explains that a vector is complete only when size and direction are both stated.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Describes a vector using only its size.
Put it right: Add the specific direction to complete the description.
Treats distance as a vector.
Put it right: Note that distance is a scalar while displacement is a vector.
Gives a direction without a magnitude for a vector.
Put it right: State the size with a unit as well.
Exam tips
- Ask whether the quantity would be incomplete without a direction; if so, it is a vector.
- Check that both a magnitude with unit and a direction appear in a complete vector answer.
- Eliminate options that give only a size for a quantity that is a vector.
Try the lesson
The start of the Topic 2 – Motion and forces: 2.2 Explain that a vector quantity has both magnitude (size) and a specific direction lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A parachutist falls with a weight of 700 N acting downwards. Which quantity is a vector?
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