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Bench reference · 254 terms

Words worth knowing

Start with the plain-language meaning, then reach for the technical definition when you need precision.

Showing 1 term

Scalar

Also: scalar quantity

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In plain language

A quantity described by magnitude without a spatial direction.

Technical definition

A scalar is invariant under coordinate rotation, though its units and uncertainty still matter.

Example A temperature of 22 °C is scalar; a velocity of 2 m/s east is not.

Common misconception A negative scalar may encode sense or deficit without becoming a vector.