Scalar and Vector Fields

Scalar and Vector Fields

 Scalar: Scalar is a quantity which can be expressed by a single number representing its magnitude. 
              Example: mass, density and temperature.

Scalar  Field If at every point in a region, a scalar function has a defined value, the region is called a scalar field. Example:  Temperature distribution in a rod.

 Vector: Vector is a quantity which is specified by both magnitude and direction.
              Example: Force, Velocity and Displacement.

Vector Field If at every point in a region, a vector function has a defined value, the region is called a vector field. Example: velocity field of a flowing fluid .

Flow Field The region in which the flow parameters i.e. velocity, pressure etc. are defined at each and every point at any instant of time is called a flow field. Thus a flow field would be specified by the velocities at different points in the region at different times.