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

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17 Terms

1
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What is a scalar quantity?

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

2
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What is a vector quantity?

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

3
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How is speed defined in physics?

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

4
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How is velocity defined in physics?

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

5
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What is the formula for speed?

Speed = Distance / Time

6
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What is the formula for velocity?

Velocity = Displacement / Time

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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).

8
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Give an example of a scalar quantity.

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

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Give an example of a vector quantity.

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

10
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How can you distinguish speed from velocity in exams?

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

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

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

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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).

13
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What does the "s" represent in the speed formula?

In the speed formula, "s" represents speed.

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

In the velocity formula, "s" represents displacement.

15
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What is the benefit of using velocity over speed?

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

16
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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.

17
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What factors affect wind speed?

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