Scalars, Vectors, and Types of Motion

Flashcards for Scalars, Vectors, and Motion

Scalar

A quantity that has only magnitude (size or amount), but no direction.

Examples of Scalars

Temperature, mass, time, speed, and energy.

Vector

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Examples of Vectors

Velocity, force, displacement, and acceleration.

Translational Motion

Movement from one point to another.

Linear Motion

Straight line translational motion.

Curvilinear Motion

Curved path translational motion.

Rotational Motion

Object spins around an axis.

Oscillatory Motion

Back-and-forth motion.

Distance

Total path covered (scalar).

Displacement

Straight line from start to end point, with direction (vector).

Speed

Distance traveled per unit time (scalar).

Velocity

Displacement per unit time (vector).

Acceleration

Change in velocity per unit time (vector).

Uniform motion

Constant speed in a straight line.

Non-uniform motion

Changing speed or direction.

First Equation of Motion

v = u + at

Second Equation of Motion

s = ut + ½ at²

Third Equation of Motion

v² = u² + 2as

Distance-Time Graph Interpretation

Straight line indicates constant speed; curved line indicates acceleration.

Velocity-Time Graph Interpretation

Flat line indicates constant velocity; sloped line indicates acceleration; Area under the graph = displacement.