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QUESTION

Is it possible to add a scalar to a vector? Why or why not?

We cannot add a vector and a scalar quantities together because they have different dimensions.

  1. A vector quantity is defined as a physical quantity which has both magnitude and direction. For example, velocity, displacement etc. A scalar quantity is a quantity which has magnitude only but no direction. For example, distance, speed etc.

  2. It is impossible to add the two together because of their different dimensions . This basically means that being a vector quantity a particular physical quantity will have both magnitude and direction. Summing the two quantities together we have to describe the direction of the resultant quantity. As a scalar quantity does not have a direction it would be next to impossible to describe the direction of the resultant.

  3. For example, let's take a body moving with a velocity of ##60 kms^-1## north and covering a distance of ##120 km##. Now, adding the two is not possible as we cannot describe the direction of the resultant quantity.

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