# A student is sorting physical quantities into two groups: scalar quantities and vector quantities. The student places distance, speed, velocity, and acceleration into their groups. Describe the difference between a scalar quantity and a vector quantity, and for each of the four quantities listed, state whether it is a scalar or a vector, giving a reason for your answer for velocity.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.1 Units · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. A scalar quantity has magnitude only (and no direction) / a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.
2. Distance and speed are both scalar quantities.
3. Velocity and acceleration are both vector quantities.
4. Velocity is a vector because it is speed in a given direction / it has both magnitude and direction (e.g. 5 m/s north).

## Key terms

- [scalar quantity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/scalar-quantity)
- [vector quantity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vector-quantity)
- [velocity](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/velocity)
- [acceleration](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/acceleration)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-is-sorting-physical-quantities-359d3421) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.