Speed and Velocity

Front

Speed Noun

---

[speed]

Back

Speed

---

A scalar quantity representing the rate at which an object covers distance, measuring only magnitude without any direction.

---

Example: This image shows that speed is a measure of how fast an object moves, calculated by dividing the distance it travels by the time it takes.

Front

Velocity Noun

---

[vuh-los-i-tee]

Back

Velocity

---

A vector quantity representing the rate at which an object changes its position, specifying both its speed and direction.

---

Example: This diagram shows the formula for velocity (v) using a triangle, relating it to displacement (d) and time (t) to help you calculate any of the three values.

Front

Acceleration Noun

---

[ak-sel-uh-rey-shuhn]

Back

Acceleration

---

The rate at which the velocity of an object changes over time, encompassing changes in speed, direction, or both.

---

Example: This image shows the three ways an object accelerates: by speeding up (runner), slowing down (skateboarder), or changing direction (bee).

Front

Motion Noun

---

[moh-shuhn]

Back

Motion

---

The phenomenon in which an object changes its position over time with respect to a specific reference point.

---

Example: This diagram shows an object changing its position by moving down a ramp. The arrow indicates the direction of this motion.

Front

Reference Point Noun

---

[ref-er-uhns point]

Back

Reference Point

---

A fixed location or stationary object used as a basis to determine an object's position or describe its motion.

---

Example: A compass provides fixed directions (North, South) that act as a reference frame, allowing us to describe an object's motion and velocity accurately.

Front

Distance Noun

---

[dis-tuhns]

Back

Distance

---

A scalar quantity that measures the total length of the path an object has traveled during its motion.

---

Example: This diagram shows that distance is the total length of the path traveled, like a car taking a winding 8 km road from point A to B.

Front

Displacement Noun

---

[dis-pleys-muhnt]

Back

Displacement

---

A vector quantity representing an object's overall change in position, measured as a straight line from start to finish.

---

Example: Traveling from home to school and back covers a distance, but because you end where you started, your total displacement (change in position) is zero.

Front

Scalar Noun

---

[skey-ler]

Back

Scalar

---

A physical quantity, like mass or speed, that is completely described by its magnitude or numerical value alone.

---

Example: A speedometer shows speed, a scalar quantity, which has a magnitude (e.g., 290 km/h) but does not indicate the direction of travel.

Front

Vector Noun

---

[vek-ter]

Back

Vector

---

A physical quantity, like velocity or force, that is described by having both a magnitude and a direction.

---

Example: This diagram shows vectors as arrows acting on an object. Each arrow's length represents its magnitude (strength), and its arrowhead shows its specific direction.

Front

Average Speed Noun

---

[av-er-ij speed]

Back

Average Speed

---

The total distance an object has traveled divided by the total elapsed time taken to cover that distance.

---

Example: This image shows that average speed is calculated by dividing the total distance an object travels (89.7 km) by the total time it takes (3 hours).