Physics Test I.1: The difference between Speed and Velocity & Distance and Displacement

What is a scalar quantity?

A quantity that only has magnitude (size or amount), such as speed or distance.

What is a vector quantity?

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as velocity or displacement.

How is speed defined in physics?

Speed is the scalar quantity representing how fast an object is moving, without direction.

How is velocity defined in physics?

Velocity is a vector quantity indicating both the speed and direction of an object's movement.

What is the formula for speed?

Speed = Distance / Time

What is the formula for velocity?

Velocity = Displacement / Time

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is a scalar quantity (total path traveled), while displacement is a vector quantity (straight-line distance and direction from start to end).

Give an example of a scalar quantity.

Speed, e.g., 4 m/s or 250 m/s.

Give an example of a vector quantity.

Velocity, e.g., 6 m/s east or 55 m/s backwards.

How can you distinguish speed from velocity in exams?

Speed is scalar (no direction), while velocity is vector (includes direction).

If a train crosses a 550-meter bridge in 10 seconds, what is its speed?

55 m/s (using Speed = Distance / Time).

If a train crosses a 550-meter bridge in 10 seconds going east, what is its velocity?

55 m/s east (using Velocity = Displacement / Time).

What does the "s" represent in the speed formula?

In the speed formula, "s" represents speed.

What does the "s" represent in the velocity formula?

In the velocity formula, "s" represents displacement.

What is the benefit of using velocity over speed?

Velocity can be negative to represent movement in the opposite direction.

What is average speed or average velocity?

It is the total distance or displacement divided by the total time of a journey, useful when speeds vary.

What factors affect wind speed?

Temperature, atmospheric pressure, and obstacles like buildings or mountains.