Scalarly (physics)

Scalarly is in that Physics a numerical value, itself with koordinatentransformationen (turns, in that Relativity theory also Lorentz-Transformationen: Lorentz scalar) does not change. Roughly said, are all "individually standing" real or complex numbers Scalar one, if it not straight components of Vectors or Tensors higher stage are. However one must be careful with this rule of thumb: For example contains (non-scalar) Stress tensor a solid body also that Pressure; this is however a scalar.

The speed of an object is a vector, since it has a direction (the direction, into the object moves), which with a turn naturally changes. The amount of the speed is however direction-independent and therefore a scalar. One calls this amount also scalar speed.

Other examples of scalars are Temperature, Mass or height of an object.

Whether a value is a scalar, hangs of the regarded Group of symmetries off. Like that is z.B. those Energy a scalar concerning turns, but in relativity theory component one Vierervektors.

Simplified

Each physical dimension by indication of its amount and its unit to be sufficiently described can, one calls scalar.