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General Science • PhysicsMedium

Which of the following physical quantities is a scalar quantity rather than a vector quantity?

A. Velocity
B. Torque
C. Electric current✓ Correct Answer
D. Acceleration

💡 Solution & Explanation

Electric current possesses both magnitude and a specific direction of flow, yet it fails to satisfy the fundamental algebraic rules of vector addition, classifying it as a scalar. Quantities like velocity, torque, and acceleration are strict vector quantities because they combine using geometric vector laws. Misidentifying current as a vector is a common error in physics due to its directional arrow markings in circuit diagrams. Physical quantities requiring direction must also obey triangle or parallelogram laws of addition to qualify as vectors.

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