Magnitude - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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Magnitude is a term used in physics to describe the size of something. It helps us understand how big or strong something is without worrying about its direction. For example, when we talk about the magnitude of a force, we are looking at how much force is being applied, not where it is going. Magnitude is always a positive number and often comes with units to show what is being measured, like metres for distance or joules for energy. Understanding magnitude is important because it helps us compare different amounts and see how they relate to each other.

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Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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