TED-ED: Gridiron physics: Scalars and vectors - Michelle Buchanan

The video uses a football play to explain physics concepts like scalars, vectors, distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration. It illustrates how these concepts apply to real-world scenarios, such as a quarterback's movements and a receiver's run, highlighting the differences between scalar and vector quantities and the importance of direction in measurements.

What is the difference between a scalar and a vector quantity?

• Scalars have magnitude only, vectors have magnitude and direction.

• Scalars have direction, vectors do not.

• Vectors have magnitude only, scalars have magnitude and direction.

• Vectors are always larger than scalars.

If a quarterback moves three yards back and then three yards forward, what is his displacement?

• Nine yards

• Three yards

• Zero yards

• Six yards

How is distance different from displacement?

• Distance is a vector, displacement is a scalar.

• Distance is always greater than displacement.

• Distance is a scalar, displacement is a vector.

• Distance is measured in time, displacement in length.

What is the average speed of a receiver who runs 50 yards in 5 seconds?

• 20 yards/second

• 5 yards/second

• 10 yards/second

• 15 yards/second

Which of the following is a vector quantity?

• Speed

• Distance

• Time

• Velocity