01 Distance and Displacement 0

Metres (m)

The standard unit of measurement for distance in physics.

Degrees Celsius (°C)

The standard unit for measuring temperature.

Seconds (s)

The standard unit of measurement for time.

Kilometres per hour (km/h)

A unit for measuring speed, often used for vehicles.

Newtons (N)

The standard unit for measuring force.

Scalar Quantity

A quantity that has magnitude (size) only, without direction.

Vector Quantity

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Distance

How far an object travels, measured in metres.

Displacement

The change in position of an object, including direction.

Force

A push or pull on an object, measured in Newtons.

Acceleration

The rate of change of velocity, measured in m/s².

How do we define distance in physics?

Distance describes how far an object travels.

How is displacement different to distance?

Displacement includes direction and compares the starting and ending positions.

Is temperature a scalar or vector quantity?

Temperature is a scalar quantity because it only has magnitude.

How many seconds are in 1 minute?

There are 60 seconds in 1 minute.

How many seconds are in 1 hour?

There are 3600 seconds in 1 hour.

What is the displacement of an object that starts and ends in the same place?

The displacement is 0.

What is an example of a scalar quantity?

Examples include age, mass, and time.

What is an example of a vector quantity?

Examples include displacement, force, and velocity.

What unit measures the distance a train has traveled?

Kilometres (km) are used to measure the distance a train has traveled.

What unit measures the displacement of an object?

Displacement is also measured in metres (m) and includes direction.

Distance vs Displacement

Distance is the total path traveled while displacement is the shortest path from start to end with direction.

What does a 100 m race entail for distance and displacement?

Total distance is 100 m, but if starting and finishing points are the same, displacement is 0.