Question

Is it possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity? Explain.

Short answer

No, it is not possible to add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity.

Step-by-step solution

Define the vector and scalar quanitity

Vector quantities are physical quantities for which both magnitude and direction are clearly defined.

Scalar quantities are physical quantities that have only one magnitude. It can be adequately described by a numerical value or a magnitude. There are no directions for a scalar quantity.

Reason why we can not add vector and scalar quantity

A vector quantity has both magnitude as well as direction but scalar quantity has only magnitude. So a quantity having only magnitude can be added with scalar quantity like speed, mass, distance etc.

Example;

Try combining the velocity and speed. $8.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}+\left[\left(15.0\mathrm{m}/\mathrm{s}\right)\mathrm{North}\right]$.

No we cannot add a vector quantity to a scalar quantity .