Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam Practice 2026 – Comprehensive Prep

A vector quantity is defined by both its magnitude and direction, which distinguishes it from a scalar quantity, which has only magnitude. In physics, vector quantities represent not just how much of something there is (the magnitude) but also the direction in which it acts or moves. For example, if you consider velocity, it tells you how fast something is moving (magnitude) and in which direction (such as north or south).

Option indicating only magnitude would pertain to scalar quantities, such as temperature or mass, which do not convey direction. A choice that mentions direction only does not encompass the essential aspect of magnitude, and thus fails to qualify as a vector. Lastly, the option suggesting neither magnitude nor direction contradicts the very definition of vector quantities, as being a vector inherently includes both components. Therefore, the correct choice, which includes both magnitude and direction, accurately reflects what it means to express a vector quantity.