13 - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

The “direction of time” is said to proceed from past to future. Does this mean that time is a vector quantity? Explain.

 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Time is not vector quantity. It is a scalar quantity.

Vector and Scaler

A vector is a technique of describing a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

 The quantity can be completely understood by the value of magnitude. The scalar quantity are like mass, temperature, time etc. 

Here when we say a body has mass of 5 kg that means the amount of matter present in the body is 5 kg. There is no relation with the direction.

 

Time is a scalar quanity

Similarly, if we talk about time, then time is not a vector quantity. It is not necessary to speak the direction with the magnitude when we talk about time. 

Like if I ask what is the time we will not say it is 6 PM in the south direction. 

 

Thus, the time is a scalar quantity.