Physics - Scalars and Vectors

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the shortest straight line from the starting point to the ending point.

Front

What is displacement?

Back

Displacement is the distance and direction of an object's change in position from a starting point.

Front

If Michael walks from Point A to Point B and then to Point C, which is true?

Back

Displacement is less than distance.

Front

If Amy runs 2 miles south and then 3 miles north, what is her displacement?

Back

1 mile north.

Front

What symbol is used to represent vector quantities?

Back

Arrow.

Front

What are scalars?

Back

Scalars are quantities that have only magnitude and no direction, such as temperature or mass.

Front

What are vectors?

Back

Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or force.

Front

How can you represent a vector graphically?

Back

A vector can be represented graphically by an arrow, where the length represents the magnitude and the direction of the arrow represents the direction.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

What happens to displacement if you return to your starting point?

Back

The displacement is zero, even if distance traveled is not.