A student lists four physical quantities and claims each one is a vector quantity. The quantities listed are: distance, velocity, speed, and force. Explain which two quantities in the student's list are incorrectly classified as vectors, and state what type of quantity each of them actually is.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics (4PH1) — 1.1 Units · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

The student has incorrectly classified distance and speed as vectors.

1. Distance – a scalar quantity. It has only magnitude; direction is not specified.
2. Speed – a scalar quantity. It represents the magnitude of motion only, without direction.

Velocity and force are correctly identified as vectors because they have both magnitude and direction.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘scalar’ for distance and speed; mention lack of direction. Show that velocity and force are vectors to demonstrate understanding. Keep the answer concise and directly address the two incorrect classifications.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing distance with displacement; writing ‘vector’ for displacement. Calling speed a vector because it is a rate of change of distance. Failing to state that distance and speed are scalars.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Distance is incorrectly classified as a vector
  2. Distance is a scalar quantity
  3. Speed is incorrectly classified as a vector
  4. Speed is a scalar quantity

Key terms in this question

vector quantity · distance · speed · velocity · force

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