Which of the following physical quantities is different from others?
(A) Displacement
(B) Velocity
(C) Force
(D) Kinetic energy
Answer
298.2k+ views
Hint Vectors are the quantities that have both, a magnitude and a direction. Two vectors can be only added using the properties of vector addition, and a vector can also have negative values which generally define its direction relative to a reference point.
Complete Step by step solution
In the given options, there are some physical properties which are either vector or scalar. On analyzing each option based on the definition of a vector, we have-
Option A) Displacement is defined as the shortest distance that can be covered to reach from one point to the other. When both of the points are joined via a straight line, this line gives the displacement of the object. No matter what path is traveled by the object its displacement remains the same, and its direction is towards the endpoint of the path. If an object moves in any path but ends up at the same spot, its displacement is zero. Thus, displacement is a vector quantity.
Option B) Velocity is defined as the displacement of an object per unit of time. Thus the average velocity of an object is given by the length of the shortest path between two points divided by the total time taken to cover that length. We know that displacement is a vector quantity, therefore velocity is also a vector quantity.
Option C) Force is defined as a type of interaction with an object, which can cause a change in its motion. The force is the product of the mass of an object with the acceleration produced in it. The mass of an object is a scalar quantity, while the acceleration is a vector quantity. This makes force a vector quantity as well.
Option D) Kinetic energy is defined as the energy carried by moving objects. It is the dot product or scalar product of the velocity of a body and a very small change in its momentum. Both velocity and momentum are vector quantities, but their dot product gives out a scalar quantity. Thus kinetic energy is a scalar quantity.
Hence option (D) is a different physical quantity than the other options and is the correct option.
Note When a vector is multiplied to a scalar quantity, its product remains a vector. When two vectors are multiplied with each other, the product can either be a vector or a scalar quantity. A dot product is the only way to create a scalar quantity from a given vector quantity.
Complete Step by step solution
In the given options, there are some physical properties which are either vector or scalar. On analyzing each option based on the definition of a vector, we have-
Option A) Displacement is defined as the shortest distance that can be covered to reach from one point to the other. When both of the points are joined via a straight line, this line gives the displacement of the object. No matter what path is traveled by the object its displacement remains the same, and its direction is towards the endpoint of the path. If an object moves in any path but ends up at the same spot, its displacement is zero. Thus, displacement is a vector quantity.
Option B) Velocity is defined as the displacement of an object per unit of time. Thus the average velocity of an object is given by the length of the shortest path between two points divided by the total time taken to cover that length. We know that displacement is a vector quantity, therefore velocity is also a vector quantity.
Option C) Force is defined as a type of interaction with an object, which can cause a change in its motion. The force is the product of the mass of an object with the acceleration produced in it. The mass of an object is a scalar quantity, while the acceleration is a vector quantity. This makes force a vector quantity as well.
Option D) Kinetic energy is defined as the energy carried by moving objects. It is the dot product or scalar product of the velocity of a body and a very small change in its momentum. Both velocity and momentum are vector quantities, but their dot product gives out a scalar quantity. Thus kinetic energy is a scalar quantity.
Hence option (D) is a different physical quantity than the other options and is the correct option.
Note When a vector is multiplied to a scalar quantity, its product remains a vector. When two vectors are multiplied with each other, the product can either be a vector or a scalar quantity. A dot product is the only way to create a scalar quantity from a given vector quantity.
Recently Updated Pages
Four persons A B C and D initially at the corners of class 11 physics JEE_Main

What is the difference between Conduction and conv class 11 physics JEE_Main

Moment of inertia of solid sphere about its diameter class 11 physics JEE_Main

If a piece of ice floating on the surface of water class 11 physics JEE_Main

At what temperature speed of sound in air will be doubled class 11 physics JEE_Main

A closed organ pipe and an open organ pipe are tuned class 11 physics JEE_Main

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2026: Exam Dates, Session 2 Updates, City Slip, Admit Card & Latest News

Understanding the Electric Field of a Uniformly Charged Ring

Understanding Atomic Structure for Beginners

Electron Gain Enthalpy and Electron Affinity Explained

Derivation of Equation of Trajectory Explained for Students

How to Convert a Galvanometer into an Ammeter or Voltmeter

Other Pages
CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 - Units And Measurements - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units And Measurements - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

NCERT Solutions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 Motion In A Straight Line - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Login Required)

Important Questions For Class 11 Physics Chapter 1 Units and Measurement - 2026-27 Free PDF Download (Sign-in Required)

JEE Advanced Percentile vs Marks 2026: JEE Main Cutoff, AIR & IIT Admission Guide

CBSE Notes Class 11 Physics Chapter 2 - Motion in a Straight Line - 2026-27 PDF Download (Login Required)

