Linear Quantities Flashcards

This flashcard set covers the fundamental definitions, quantities, units, and equations of linear motion, including distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration.

Linear Quantities

Terms used to describe the motion of an object moving along a straight or curved path.

Distance ($d$)

The length of the actual path taken by an object; it is a scalar quantity consisting of a magnitude (number and unit).

Displacement ($x$)

The straight-line separation of two points in a specified direction; it is a vector quantity containing magnitude and direction (number, unit, and angle).

Scalar Quantity

A measurement that contains magnitude only, consisting of a number and a unit, such as $20\,m$, $40\,mi/h$, or $10\,gal$.

Vector Quantity

A measurement that contains both magnitude and direction, consisting of a number, unit, and angle (e.g., $12\,m$, $20^{\circ}$ or $8\,km/h$, $N$).

Speed ($s$)

The distance traveled per unit of time ($s = \frac{d}{t}$); it is a scalar quantity and not direction dependent.

Velocity ($v$)

The displacement per unit of time ($v = \frac{x}{t}$); it is a vector quantity that requires a specified direction.

Speed of Light

$$3 \times 10^8\,m/s$$

Speed of a Glacier

$$1 \times 10^{-5}\,m/s$$

Acceleration ($a$)

The change in velocity per unit of time; a vector quantity that requires the application of a push or pull (force).

Average Velocity Equation

$$v_{avg} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{x_2 - x_1}{t_2 - t_1}$$

Average Acceleration Equation

$$a_{avg} = \frac{\Delta v}{\Delta t} = \frac{v_2 - v_1}{t_2 - t_1}$$

Symbol and Unit for Distance/Displacement

Symbols: ($d$) or ($x$); Unit: meters ($m$).

Symbol and Unit for Velocity

Symbol: ($v$); Unit: meters per second ($m/s$).

Symbol and Unit for Acceleration

Symbol: ($a$); Unit: meters per second squared ($m/s^2$).

Force

A push or pull that, when applied, causes a change in velocity (acceleration).