Displacement, Distance, and Velocity Concepts

Miss Logan introduces key motion vocabulary essential for understanding 1D and 2D motion. She explains scalar and vector quantities, highlighting the differences between distance and displacement. The video also covers speed and velocity, emphasizing their scalar and vector nature, respectively. Acceleration is introduced as a vector quantity, and the importance of understanding these concepts for future labs and graphing exercises is stressed.

What is the main difference between scalar and vector quantities?

• Scalar quantities have direction, vector quantities do not.

• Scalar quantities have magnitude only, vector quantities have magnitude and direction.

• Vector quantities have magnitude only, scalar quantities have magnitude and direction.

• Both scalar and vector quantities have magnitude and direction.

Which of the following is a scalar quantity?

• 5 m/s North

• 3 m/s

• -5 m

• 10 m/s South

How is distance different from displacement?

• Distance includes direction, displacement does not.

• Distance is the total path traveled, displacement is the change in position.

• Distance is a vector quantity, displacement is a scalar quantity.

• Distance is always zero, displacement is not.

If you walk 5 meters forward and then 5 meters back, what is your displacement?

• 10 meters

• 0 meters

• 5 meters

• -5 meters

In the example of walking to the park with your dog, why might your distances differ but not your displacements?

• Because displacement includes all side trips.

• Because displacement depends on the path taken.

• Because displacement is the total distance traveled.

• Because both start and end points are the same.

What is the formula for speed?

• Displacement over time

• Distance over time

• Velocity over time

• Acceleration over time

How does velocity differ from speed?

• Velocity is a scalar quantity, speed is a vector quantity.

• Velocity includes direction, speed does not.

• Speed includes direction, velocity does not.

• Both velocity and speed include direction.

What is the unit of acceleration?

• m/s

• m

• m/s²

• m/s³

Why is acceleration considered a vector quantity?

• Because it is the change in speed over time.

• Because it only has magnitude.

• Because it is the change in velocity over time.

• Because it is the change in distance over time.

What symbol is commonly used to represent change in scientific equations?

• Delta (Δ)

• Sigma (Σ)

• Pi (π)

• Theta (θ)