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Why pressure is scalar quantity where as force is vector quantity?
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Pressure is the force acting in all directions on an area while force is a push or pull in a direction. To understand this, we have to know how pressure or force originates. While the force is applicable to rigid materials, the term pressure is applicable for bulk materials (like water) where individual particles are considered as soft. When a force is applied from one direction on the soft particle, the soft particle gets distorted and projects out in all directions. Pressure thus do not have any unique direction but all, while a force has a unique direction. When a bomb blasts, it effects in all directions in air whereas if a running car hits, it effects in the specific direction only. A parameter effecting in all directions uniformly is considered as if it is a scalar.
The pressure acts to all the directions uniformly. I mean in 360 degrees. So, we can't define a direction for pressure.
The formula P= F/A is only the magnitude relation, not direction. It should be kept in mind.
Mathematically, it can be understood as pressure is the ratio of force and vector area (which has direction along the normal to the surface upon which the force is acting, and if the force is not normal to to the surface we take component of force along normal. )
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoForce is a vector, at least in our universe, because it has both magnitude and direction. It is not enough to say how hard you are pushing - you also have to say which way.
Sometimes only the magnitude is given when the direction is understood, but this is just for convenience in situations where no confusion can arise. For example, you may see it stated that the centripetal force is simply mv2/r, but this short-cut is only permissible because it is understood that the vector is directed towards the centre of the circular path.
If force were merely a scalar, of course, Newton's second law - which states the net force is proportional to the acceleration (obviously a vector) - would not make sense.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoPressure is a scalar quantity because is transferred through arbitrary sections. Pressure is therefore not a vector quantity but scalar quantity.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoScalars are quantities that have magnitude only; they are independent of direction. Vectors have both magnitude and direction. vectors need bold letters to show them.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoit is a scalar quantity
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIt is not a vector but a scalar quantity.
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The main difference between a scalar and a vector quantity is?
A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.
Is centre of gravity a vector quantity or scalar quantity?
It's a 0th order tensor, also known as a scalar.
Why hydrostatic pressure is a scalar quantity even through pressure is force divided by area?
I'm guessing that your issue is that force is a vector quantity? It turns out that hydrostatic force is always normal to the surface, so it can be treated as a scalar; only the magnitude is important.
Why is force not a scaler quantity?
A force is a vector. That simply means that the direction in which you apply a force is relevant.
Is work done a scalar or a vector quantity?
Work done is the amount of energy transferred by a force acting through a distance. It is a scalar quantity.
Which are the scalar quantities?
A scalar quantity is a non-vector quantity. In a vector quantity, direction is relevant. In a scalar quantity, it is not. For example, mass (measured in kg.) is a scalar; force is usually indicated as a vector (magnitude in Newton, but the direction is also relevant).A scalar quantity is a non-vector quantity. In a vector quantity, direction is relevant. In a scalar quantity, it is not. For example, mass (measured in kg.) is a scalar; force is usually indicated as a vector (magnitude in Newton, but the direction is also relevant).A scalar quantity is a non-vector quantity. In a vector quantity, direction is relevant. In a scalar quantity, it is not. For example, mass (measured in kg.) is a scalar; force is usually indicated as a vector (magnitude in Newton, but the direction is also relevant).A scalar quantity is a non-vector quantity. In a vector quantity, direction is relevant. In a scalar quantity, it is not. For example, mass (measured in kg.) is a scalar; force is usually indicated as a vector (magnitude in Newton, but the direction is also relevant).
The main difference between a scalar and a vector quantity is?
A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.A vector quantity includes a direction; a scalar does not.
Is force scalar quantity?
No, it's a vector.
Is pressure a scaler quantity?
Pressure is no vector. Pressure is a scalar. Pressure-gradient is a vector.why pressure is a scalar
Is forcee a vector or scalar quantity?
Force is a vector. The direction is relevant.
Is centre of gravity a vector quantity or scalar quantity?
It's a 0th order tensor, also known as a scalar.
Why hydrostatic pressure is a scalar quantity even through pressure is force divided by area?
I'm guessing that your issue is that force is a vector quantity? It turns out that hydrostatic force is always normal to the surface, so it can be treated as a scalar; only the magnitude is important.
Is torque is a scalar or a vector quantity?
Since torque is a force, and as such has a direction, it is a vector.
Is thrust scalar or vector?
Thrust is a force and a force is a vector quantity having a magnitude and direction
Is specific gravity a vector or scalar quantity?
Gravity is a force, and forces have magnitude and direction; hence, it is a vector.
Is area a vector or a scalar quantity?
it's a rather puzzling idea, but area can be either a scalar or vector quantity. Usually area is a scalar quantity. E.g. the area of my house is 2000 square feet. In more advanced calculus courses you'll run into area vectors. area is a vector because as u know pressure=force/area which is scalar"pressure"=vector"force" / X"area" area"X"= force/pressure which is vector/scalar =vector so area is a vectorIn geometry, for a finite planar surface of scalar area S, the vector area : is defined as a vector whose magnitude is S and whose direction is perpendicular to the plane, as determined by the right hand rule on the rim (moving one's right hand counterclockwise around the rim, when the palm of the hand is "touching" the surface, and the straight thumb indicate the direction). :
Why is force not a scaler quantity?
A force is a vector. That simply means that the direction in which you apply a force is relevant.
