What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scalar
Example
Temperature is an example of a scalar quantity. [scalar: noun]
Example
The speed of the car is a scalar value. [scalar: adjective]
magnitude
Example
The magnitude of the earthquake was measured on the Richter scale. [magnitude: noun]
Example
The force acting on the object has a magnitude of 10 N. [magnitude: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Magnitude is more commonly used than scalar in everyday language, especially in scientific contexts. Magnitude is a more specific term that is used to describe physical quantities such as force, velocity, and acceleration.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scalar and magnitude?
Both scalar and magnitude are formal terms that are used in technical and scientific contexts. However, scalar may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with mathematics and engineering.
