In physics, what does a vector quantity include?

A vector quantity is defined by having both magnitude and direction. This means that when addressing vector quantities, it’s essential to specify not just how much there is (the magnitude), but also which way it is directed. For example, velocity is a vector quantity that indicates how fast an object is moving and the direction it is moving towards.

In contrast, other options focus on scalar quantities, which only incorporate magnitude. Speed, mass, and distance do not include any directional component, making them scalars. Speed refers only to how fast something is moving without any indication of direction; mass is simply a measure of the amount of matter in an object; and distance measures how far an object has traveled, again without direction.

Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the defining characteristic of vector quantities, highlighting the importance of direction alongside magnitude.