Understanding Motion and Position

What does position refer to?

• The process of changing position

• The starting point used to describe location

• An object's distance and direction from a reference point

• The speed of an object

Answer explanation

Position refers to an object's distance and direction from a reference point, making it the most accurate description of location. The other options do not capture this definition.

How do you know an object is in motion?

• It changes color

• It changes position relative to a reference point

• It makes a sound

• It stays still

Answer explanation

An object is in motion if it changes position relative to a reference point. This means that if you observe the object moving away from or towards something else, it is indeed in motion.

What is the term for an object's distance and direction from a reference point?

• Motion

• Reference point

• Position

• Speed

Answer explanation

The term 'position' refers to an object's distance and direction from a reference point, making it the correct choice. 'Motion' describes movement, 'reference point' is a concept, and 'speed' measures how fast something moves.

What is the formula for speed?

• Speed = Time ÷ Distance

• Speed = Distance × Time

• Speed = Distance ÷ Time

• Speed = Time × Distance

Answer explanation

The correct formula for speed is Speed = Distance ÷ Time. This means speed is calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the time taken to travel that distance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

What does speed measure?

• How far an object travels in a given time

• The direction an object is moving

• The time an object takes to stop

• The weight of an object

Answer explanation

Speed measures how far an object travels in a given time, making the first choice correct. It quantifies motion, while the other options refer to direction, stopping time, or weight, which are unrelated to speed.

Tags

NGSS.4-PS3-1

Which of the following is NOT a component of velocity?

• Speed

• Direction

• Time

• Distance

Answer explanation

Velocity is defined as speed in a specific direction. It includes both speed and direction as components. Time and distance are related but are not components of velocity, making 'Time' the correct answer.

Which of the following best describes speed?

• Distance divided by time

• Distance multiplied by time

• Time divided by distance

• Time multiplied by distance

Answer explanation

Speed is defined as the distance traveled per unit of time, which is mathematically expressed as distance divided by time. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Distance divided by time'.

What does the term "m/s" stand for?

• Meters per second

• Miles per second

• Meters per square

• Miles per square

Answer explanation

The term 'm/s' stands for 'meters per second', which is a unit of speed. It measures how many meters are traveled in one second, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

If a car's initial velocity is 10 m/s and its final velocity is 30 m/s over 10 seconds, what is the acceleration?

• 2 m/s²

• 3 m/s²

• 4 m/s²

• 5 m/s²

Answer explanation

To find acceleration, use the formula: a = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time. Here, a = (30 m/s - 10 m/s) / 10 s = 20 m/s / 10 s = 2 m/s². Thus, the correct answer is 2 m/s².

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

If a runner increases speed from 5 m/s to 15 m/s in 2 seconds, what is the acceleration?

• 5 m/s²

• 6 m/s²

• 7 m/s²

• 8 m/s²

Answer explanation

Acceleration is calculated using the formula: (final speed - initial speed) / time. Here, (15 m/s - 5 m/s) / 2 s = 10 m/s / 2 s = 5 m/s². Thus, the correct answer is 5 m/s².

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2