What type of quantity are velocity and force classified as?

Prepare for the OAR Mechanical Comprehension Test with comprehensive study materials. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your exam!

Velocity and force are classified as vector quantities because they possess both magnitude and direction. A vector quantity is characterized by having a size (how much) and a direction (which way). For example, when stating that a car is moving at 60 kilometers per hour to the north, both the speed (magnitude) and the direction are provided, making it a vector.

In contrast, scalar quantities only have magnitude and no direction, such as temperature or mass. Dimensional quantities refer to the physical dimensions (length, time, mass, etc.) used to describe measurements but do not inherently convey directionality. Non-directional quantities is not a standard term in physics and would typically refer to scalar quantities.

Understanding that both velocity and force require direction for full description highlights their classification as vector quantities. This distinction is crucial in physics for accurately describing motion and the effects of forces.

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