Physics 2008 JAMB Past Questions - Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a vector quantity?

Correct Answer

A

Explanation

altitude is just a measure of height, regardless of direction.A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Non-vector quantities, also known as scalar quantities, have only magnitude and no specific direction. Here are some examples of common vector and scalar quantities:

Vector quantities:
1. Displacement
2. Velocity
3. Acceleration
4. Force
5. Momentum

Scalar quantities:
1. Mass
2. Temperature
3. Speed
4. Energy
5. Pressure

Among the options you mentioned, "Speed" is NOT a vector quantity; it is a scalar quantity. Speed only represents the magnitude of an object's motion and does not specify its direction, unlike velocity, which is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction.