How is electric current (I) a scalar quantity
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How is electric current (I) a scalar quantity

[From: ] [author: ] [Date: 11-04-22] [Hit: ]
there is a simple mathematical explanation to your question.Remember that current is the time derivative of charge or the amount of charge passing by a certain point per second.Since both quantity of charge and time are scalars quantities, the derivative of charge or the quotient of charge divided by time must also be a scalar.Bill,I like the idea of polarity.......
It flows in the direction opposite the direction of electrons. since it has a direction and magnitude shouldnt it be a vector quantity??

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While this is an excellent question and I can understand why you would think this (it makes sense), there is a simple mathematical explanation to your question. Remember that current is the time derivative of charge or the amount of charge passing by a certain point per second. Since both quantity of charge and time are scalars quantities, the derivative of charge or the quotient of charge divided by time must also be a scalar.

Bill,

I like the idea of polarity. A great explanation of the more complicated mathematics behind what polarity means. The only thing I have a problem with is the idea that weight has polarity. Weight is a force on a massive object caused by gravity and therefore is a vector, not a scalar.

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It has a magnitude and a polarity, not a direction.

If you have a wire running due East, the current can flow only in two directions. That is polarity, not direction.

There are many other scalar quantities that have polarity, such as time, weight, charge, etc.

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