Definitions for Physics Y11 - Linear Motion

A measurement of something that does not depend on direction, eg mass, temperature, distance.

How far an object has travelled. Does not depend on direction, and is a scalar quantity.

The location of an object or body.

A measurement which also includes direction. Example: Force, such as 4N South. Denoted with an arrow above the symbol.

How far an object has ended up from its starting point. Vector, and needs size and direction.

Distance per unit of time. Is a scalar so does not need direction.

Displacement per unit of time. Is a vector so needs direction.

The velocity of an object at a particular moment, such as a car's speed on the speedometer. Vector so needs direction.

• Speed

• Acceleration

• Instantaneous velocity

• Instantaneous Speed

The total distance covered divided by the total time taken. Scalar measurement.