In order to understand physical equations, we must first determine whether they are vector or scalar. This could be useful for analyzing equations and applying them to problems. In the case of Newton's second law F, ma, the example. The force F is a vector quantity. The mass m is a scalar quantity and. Campus Libraries. Mühlenberg College. MC: General Physics I. General physics is a broad overview of the basic principles and laws of physics, while academic physics is a more in-depth and technical study of these concepts. College physics typically involves higher-level math and more complex problem solving, while general physics may focus more on conceptual understanding. 2.Welcome to the physics library. This living library is one of the main hubs of the LibreTexts project, a multi-institutional collaborative enterprise aimed at developing the next generation of open access texts to improve postsecondary education at all levels of higher education. The LibreTexts approach is highly collaborative and Open Access.