What is scalar physics?

Transcript

Dad, I was reading about vectors and scalers, but now I'm seeing something called scalar physics. Is that like physics for lazy numbers? >> Not exactly, Steve. Scalar physics is the study of physical quantities that only have magnitude, no direction. >> So like temperature. >> Exactly.

Temperature, mass, energy, electric charge, all scalers. They're fully described by a single value. Compare that to vectors like velocity or force, which need both a magnitude and a direction. But why even separate them? Isn't it all just physics? >> It's about how these quantities behave in equations. Scalers are direction independent.

If I tell you the temperature is 25° C, it's the same no matter which way you face, but velocity changes if you turn around. >> So, in scalar physics, you never have to deal with arrows on a diagram. >> Pretty much. You work with simple algebra instead of vector math. But don't let simple fool you.

Scalers can still describe huge concepts. Energy in a nuclear reaction, for example, is scalar. Same with entropy in thermodynamics. >> Wait, so when I'm tired, that's just my scalar energy being low? >> More like your scalar motivation, Steve. And that's not in any physics textbook.

>> Guess I'll just stay a low energy state forever. >> Careful. In physics, low energy can mean absolute zero, and you wouldn't survive