Units, Scalars and Vectors

IGCSE Edexcel Physics
1.1, 1.12-1.14 Units and Scalars/Vectors
Key Concepts: Quantities have units. Scalars have size only; vectors have size and direction.

Section A: Units

1. State the SI units for mass, distance, time, speed, acceleration, force and gravitational field strength. [7]
2. Match each quantity to its unit: velocity, weight, acceleration, distance, time. [5]

Section B: Scalars and Vectors

3. State whether each is a scalar or vector: speed, velocity, force, mass, acceleration, distance. [6]
4. Give one example of a scalar and one example of a vector from everyday life. [2]
5. Explain why force is a vector quantity. [2]
Total marks: 22

Mark Scheme

1. kg, m, s, m/s, $m/s^2$, N, N/kg [7]
2. velocity: m/s; weight: N; acceleration: $m/s^2$; distance: m; time: s [5]
3. Speed scalar, velocity vector, force vector, mass scalar, acceleration vector, distance scalar [6]
4. Any correct scalar and vector [2]
5. Force has magnitude and direction [2]