Rotation is a vector having a direction and magnitude.
counterclockwise
Finite rotation can be represented as a vector in three-dimensional space, but it is more accurately described using a rotation matrix or a quaternion. In physics and mathematics, rotations are often treated as transformations rather than simple vectors, as they involve orientation changes rather than just magnitude and direction. While one can use angular displacement vectors, these do not fully capture the properties of rotation, such as the non-commutative nature of rotational operations. Thus, while finite rotation can be associated with a vector-like representation, it is best understood through more complex mathematical structures.
Simply put, a vector is 2 dimensional. Think of speed - it is only one dimensional. It is not a vector, it is a scalar. It is measured in a scale, most commonly noticed when inside a vehicle. You are travelling at 100km/h (60mph) Vectors are 2 dimensional, they have a magnitude and a direction. Think of velocity, as an arrow - imagine you are travelling at 60 mph in a northerly direction, your arrow would be pointing to the notth, with a magnitude of 60mph, If you were travelling at 60mph in a southerly direction, your velocity vector would be pointing towards the south, the exact opposite of your vector if you were travelling in a northerly direction. However the speed in these two scenario's, speed not being a vector, remains exactly the same, 60mph.
The time it takes for a complete rotation depends on the object in question. For example, Earth takes about 24 hours to complete one rotation on its axis, which defines a day. In contrast, a spinning top may complete a rotation in just a few seconds, depending on its speed and stability. Thus, the duration of a complete rotation varies widely based on the specific context.
Triton, Neptune's largest moon, has a unique retrograde rotation, meaning it rotates in the opposite direction to Neptune's rotation. It takes approximately 5.8 Earth days to complete one rotation on its axis, which is also the same amount of time it takes to orbit Neptune. This synchronous rotation results in Triton always showing the same face to the planet as it orbits. Triton's unusual orbit and rotation suggest that it may have been captured by Neptune's gravity rather than forming in place.
Angular velocity is a vector quantity that describes the rate of rotation of an object about an axis. It has both magnitude (how fast the object is rotating) and direction (the axis of rotation). Scalar angular velocity only considers the magnitude of the rotation rate without specifying the direction.
Moment arm is a scalar quantity, as it represents the perpendicular distance from the axis of rotation to the line of action of a force. It does not have a direction associated with it, unlike vectors.
A scalar times a vector is a vector.
vector
Yes, you can add a scalar to a vector by adding the scalar value to each component of the vector.
A couple is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude (related to the moment of force) and direction (related to the axis of rotation).
Scalar
When multiplying a vector by a scalar, each component of the vector is multiplied by the scalar. This operation changes the magnitude of the vector but not its direction. Similarly, dividing a vector by a scalar involves dividing each component of the vector by the scalar.
An earthquake is neither a scalar nor a vector. It is an event.
vector
vector
A scalar multiplied by a vector involves multiplying each component of the vector by the scalar value. This operation scales the vector's magnitude while retaining its direction if the scalar is positive, or reversing its direction if the scalar is negative. The result is a new vector that has the same direction as the original (or the opposite direction if the scalar is negative) but a different magnitude.