Mechanics: Motion, Scalars, and Vectors

Vocabulary flashcards covering scalar and vector quantities, distance, and displacement from Chapter (2) Motion.

Scalar quantity

A quantity depending only on the magnitude (such as time, length, and mass).

Vector quantity

A quantity depending on magnitude & direction (such as Force and weight).

Distance

The length of the actual path traveled; it is classified as a scalar quantity.

Displacement

The shortest distance from the starting point to the end point, or the distance in a certain direction; it is classified as a vector quantity.

Displacement (closed path)

Equal to zero when a body completes a path where the starting point and ending point are the same point.