Scalar

A scalar is a single value or quantity that has magnitude but no direction. In everyday terms, think of it as a number you can measure or count. For example, temperature (like 30 degrees Celsius) and time (like 5 minutes) are scalars, as they only provide information about how much there is, without indicating any specific direction. Scalars contrast with vectors, which do involve direction, such as wind speed that tells you how fast and in which direction the wind is blowing. Scalars are foundational in various fields, including physics and mathematics.