Vectors, Distance, and Displacement

Front

What is displacement?

Back

Displacement is the distance and direction of an object's change in position from a starting point.

Front

What is the resultant of two or more vectors?

Back

The resultant of two or more vectors is the sum of the vectors.

Front

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

Back

1 mile north.

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total path traveled, while displacement is the shortest distance from the starting point to the final position.

Front

What is a vector?

Back

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

Front

What is a scalar?

Back

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

Front

If Sara walks from Point A to Point B and the distance is 5 miles, what can be said about her displacement?

Back

If she walks in a straight line, her distance and displacement are equal.

Front

What is the magnitude of a vector?

Back

The magnitude of a vector is its length or size, representing how much of the quantity is present.

Front

How do you calculate the resultant of two vectors in the same direction?

Back

Add their magnitudes together.

Front

How do you calculate the resultant of two vectors in opposite directions?

Back

Subtract the smaller magnitude from the larger one.