Scalars and Vectors

Front

What is the definition of a scalar?

Back

A scalar is a quantity that has magnitude only and no direction.

Front

What is the definition of a vector?

Back

A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Front

What is displacement?

Back

Displacement is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position, along with the direction.

Front

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

Back

1 mile north.

Front

What happens to a vector when you move it without changing its orientation?

Back

The vector remains unchanged.

Front

Can you add a nonzero vector to a vector without changing its direction?

Back

No, adding a nonzero vector changes the direction.

Front

What is the relationship between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the straight line distance between the start and end points.

Front

If a driver travels equal distance and displacement, what can be inferred?

Back

The driver must have traveled in a straight line.

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity (magnitude only), while displacement is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).

Front

What does it mean to multiply a vector by a scalar?

Back

Multiplying a vector by a scalar changes its magnitude but not its direction.