Definition:Magnitude

Definition

The magnitude (or size) of a quantity (either vector or scalar) is a measure of how big it is.

It is usually encountered explicitly in the context of vectors:

If $\mathbf v$ is the vector quantity in question, then its magnitude is denoted:

$\left|{\mathbf v}\right|$

or

$v$

See Also

• Vector Length
• Absolute Value

Sources

• Isaac Asimov: Understanding Physics (1966): $\text{I}$: Chapter $3$