Physics: Speed and Velocity

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What is Speed (S)?

Back

Scalar quantity that tells how fast an object moves, with no direction. Formula: S = distance ÷ time. Units: meters per second (m/s).

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What is Velocity?

Back

Vector quantity that tells both how fast and in what direction the object moves. Direction is always required when stating velocity. Formula (1D motion): V = displacement ÷ time.

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What is Motion in One Dimension (1D)?

Back

Motion along a straight line (x-axis or y-axis). Horizontal velocity: Vx = Δx ÷ t. Vertical velocity: Vy = Δy ÷ t. Direction matters: “+” for right/up, “−” for left/down.

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What is Motion in Two Dimensions (2D)?

Back

Motion at an angle (slanted path) with two components: Horizontal (Vx) and Vertical (Vy). Total (resultant) velocity: V = √(Vx² + Vy²). Angle with the horizontal: θ = tan⁻¹(Vy / Vx).

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What is Acceleration?

Back

Rate of change of velocity over time. It can be positive (speeding up) or negative (slowing down). Formula: a = (final velocity - initial velocity) ÷ time.

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What is the difference between Distance and Displacement?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity representing the total path length traveled, while displacement is a vector quantity that measures the shortest path from the initial to the final position, including direction.

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What is Projectile Motion?

Back

Motion of an object thrown into the air, subject to gravitational acceleration. It has both horizontal and vertical components, with the horizontal motion being uniform and the vertical motion being uniformly accelerated.