Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What type of quantity is displacement classified as?

1. Scalar quantity

2. Vector quantity

3. Fundamental quantity

4. Derived quantity

The correct answer is: Vector quantity

Displacement is classified as a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction. In physics, a vector quantity is defined by its size (how much) and its direction (where to). For example, when describing displacement, one might say "5 meters to the north," which indicates not just how far an object has moved, but also the direction of that movement. This contrasts with scalar quantities, such as distance, which only have magnitude and do not indicate direction. Understanding that displacement is a vector helps in various applications, such as in mechanics, where directionality can significantly impact the analysis of motion. This is important in problems involving forces, velocities, and other related concepts, emphasizing how direction plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of objects in motion.