Physics Concepts Quiz

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

• Distance includes direction, displacement does not

• Distance is a scalar, displacement is a vector

• Displacement is always greater than distance

• Distance is measured in meters, displacement is measured in seconds

What is the equation for velocity?

• Velocity = Distance ÷ Time

• Velocity = Displacement ÷ Time

• Velocity = Mass × Acceleration

• Velocity = Force × Time

Which of Newton’s laws explains why a sprinter remains at rest until they push off the starting blocks?

• First Law (Inertia)

• Second Law (Force = Mass × Acceleration)

• Third Law (Action-Reaction)

• Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum

Why does a rugby player lower their center of mass when preparing for a tackle?

• To decrease their speed

• To increase their stability

• To reduce friction with the ground

• To apply more impulse

How does increasing impulse improve a long jumper’s performance?

• It increases the total force applied to the ground

• It increases the time over which force is applied

• It increases the change in momentum

• All of the above

What happens when an athlete applies force away from their center of mass?

• They generate linear motion

• They generate angular motion

• They remain in equilibrium

• Their velocity decreases

Which of the following factors does NOT affect an athlete’s stability?

• Height of center of mass

• Size of support base

• Mass

• Direction of movement

In a figure skater’s spin, what happens when they pull their arms in?

• Angular velocity decreases

• Angular velocity increases

• Angular momentum decreases

• They stop rotating

Which of the following best describes summing joint forces?

• Applying force in multiple directions at the same time

• Using multiple muscle groups in sequence or simultaneously to generate power

• Balancing forces to maintain equilibrium

• Increasing resistance in strength training

A tennis player serves with an extended arm rather than a bent elbow to increase racket speed. What principle does this demonstrate?

• Stability

• Linear acceleration

• Torque and eccentric force

• Impulse direction