Scalars and Vectors...

In Chapter 4 we are learning the very basics of mechanics, or how objects move. When we first look at a moving object we must take into account the system (a boundary that clearly defines the limits of the objects or processes being studied) before answering the questions "How" the object is moving. Once the system is defined we need to determine the point of reference, or the space where we are making our observations from.  There are several different types of points of reference: inertial (movement in a straight line or simple curved path), accelerated (when observational point that is not moving at a constant speed or direction), or a rotational (forces felt while on a spinning reference frame, i.e. The earth).

Motion occurs over a period of time measured in seconds (s) and the length of that time span is known as an interval (represented by delta [triangle] t). We must correctly identify the time interval  as an important part in understanding how things move.

In a system a scalar or a vector are used to describe the motion of an object. The above video by Mr. Anderson at Bozeman science will give you a good understanding of the difference between these two and how they relate to motion.