Distance and Displacement

Distance and Displacement

Thursday

January 28

Quick Think!!!

Open Ended

What is the difference between scalar and vector quantities? Give me an example of each. (Be sure to use complete sentences).

Quick Review:

• Scalar quantities only have magnitude (12in, 3ft)

• Vector quantities have both magnitude and direction (12in North, 3ft to the right)

Today's Lesson

Distance and Displacement

Distance

• Distance refers to “how much ground an object has covered” or the length of its motion.

• Distance is a scalar quantity

Distance will only tell you how much you have travelled.

Example:

187km

3 miles

12 steps

Let's Try It!

Olivia walked 2 miles to the local park. Then she walked 4 miles to the mall. Then she walked 6 miles back home. What is the total distance she walked?

Displacement

• Displacement refers to "how far out of place an object is."

• Displacement is a vector quantity.

Displacement: The object can not go back to its original spot. There must be a change in position.

Let's Try It!

Let's look at the previous problem:

Olivia walked 2 miles North to the local park. Then she walked 4 miles East to the mall. Then she walked 2 miles South and then 4 West miles back home. What is Olivia's displacement?

Let's Try It!

Olivia walked 2 miles North to the local park. Then she walked 4 miles East to the mall. What is Olivia's displacement?

Group Work: