scalarScalar2001-11-15 14:04:312004-06-16 15:40:21Definitionscalar\usepackage{amssymb}
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\usepackage{xypic}A scalar is a quantity that is invariant under coordinate transformation, also known as a tensor of rank 0. For example, the number 1 is a scalar, so is any number or variable $n\in\mathbb{R}$. The point $(3,4)$ is not a scalar because it is variable under rotation.
As such, a scalar can be an element of a field over which a vector space is defined.