Understanding Motion: Scalars and Vectors

Define the term "scalar quantity" and provide an example.

• A scalar quantity has both magnitude and direction; an example is velocity.

• A scalar quantity has only magnitude and no direction; an example is speed.

• A scalar quantity has only direction and no magnitude; an example is displacement.

• A scalar quantity has both magnitude and direction; an example is acceleration.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Describe the difference between distance and displacement.

• Distance is a vector quantity, while displacement is a scalar quantity.

• Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the shortest path between two points.

• Distance is always equal to displacement.

• Distance can be negative, while displacement is always positive.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A car travels 100 meters north, then 50 meters east. What is the car's displacement?

• 150 meters

• 50 meters

• 111.8 meters

• 100 meters

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Magnitude without specific direction.

(a)  

A quantity described by magnitude that does not need direction

• Vector

• Scalar

Maxine walks 4 m/s east. Which of the following best describes Maxine’s travel?

• speed

• distance

• time

• velocity

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NGSS.MS-PS3-1

It took a snail 5 seconds to travel 10 inches. How fast was the snail moving?

• 2 mph
• 2 in/s
• 50 in/s
• 15 in/s

2,560 m/s west

• Speed
• Velocity

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1