Physical quantities/ magnitudes

In summary, a physical quantity or magnitude is a measurable property expressed numerically, such as length, mass, time, temperature, and energy. A scalar only has magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. Physical quantities are measured and expressed using standardized units, and units are important in understanding and communicating them. Physical quantities can be converted from one unit to another using conversion factors.
  • #1
Gruxg
41
2
I've seen that in English you refer to the measurable physical properties as http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_quantity" , but some sites call them "physical magnitudes". Are both of them correct?. Do you consider them as synonyms?

In Spanish we say "magnitudes físicas", and I wonder if "physical magnitudes" is a bad translation from Spanish.

Thanks in advance!
 
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  • #2
In general "quantity" is a more general term, while "magnitude" is more specific. Example, one property of an object is that is has a mass (quantity) - specifying it is 10 kilos defines the magnitude.
 

FAQ: Physical quantities/ magnitudes

What is a physical quantity or magnitude?

A physical quantity or magnitude is a measurable property of a physical system that can be expressed numerically. Examples include length, mass, time, temperature, and energy.

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a physical quantity that only has magnitude, such as temperature or mass. A vector is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or force.

How are physical quantities measured and expressed?

Physical quantities are measured using standardized units, such as meters, kilograms, seconds, and kelvins. They are expressed using a numerical value and a unit of measurement. For example, the speed of a car can be measured in meters per second (m/s).

What is the importance of units when dealing with physical quantities?

Units are crucial in understanding and communicating physical quantities because they provide a standard reference for measurement. They also allow for consistency and accuracy in calculations and comparisons between different systems or experiments.

Can physical quantities be converted from one unit to another?

Yes, physical quantities can be converted from one unit to another using conversion factors. These factors are based on the relationships between different units, and can be found in conversion tables or calculated using conversion equations.

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