P01 - Distance/Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Front

What is the definition of displacement?

Back

Displacement is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position of an object, including direction.

Front

If you are moving in one direction at 20 m/s and another object moves in the opposite direction at 40 m/s, how do you calculate the relative speed?

Back

Relative speed is calculated by adding the speeds of both objects: 20 m/s + 40 m/s = 60 m/s.

Front

What is the total distance traveled if a golfer putts a ball 5.0 m towards the hole and then 1.2 m back?

Back

Total distance = 5.0 m + 1.2 m = 6.2 m.

Front

What is the total displacement if a golfer putts a ball 5.0 m towards the hole and then 1.2 m back?

Back

Total displacement = 5.0 m - 1.2 m = 3.8 m.

Front

What is the total displacement of a bird that flies 200 km north, then 300 km north, and finally 250 km north?

Back

Total displacement = 200 km + 300 km + 250 km = 750 km north.

Front

Is distance a scalar or vector quantity?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude.

Front

Is displacement a scalar or vector quantity?

Back

Displacement is a vector quantity because it has both magnitude and direction.

Front

What happens to displacement on a round trip?

Back

The displacement is zero because the initial and final positions are the same.

Front

What happens to distance on a round trip?

Back

The distance is positive because it measures the total path traveled.