Distance and Displacement Physics Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental concepts of linear motion, scalar and vector quantities, distance, displacement, and step-by-step sample problem calculations.

Motion

The change in position of any body with respect to a reference point.

Linear Motion

Motion in a straight path.

Scalar Quantity

A quantity described by magnitude or numerical value and a unit only.

Vector Quantity

A quantity described by magnitude, unit, and direction.

Examples of Scalar Quantities

Distance, Speed, Temperature, Mass, Energy, and Time.

Examples of Vector Quantities

Displacement, Velocity, Acceleration, Force, Weight, and Momentum.

Distance

The total length covered by the moving body; a scalar quantity represented by the formula $d_T = d_1 + d_2 + d_3 + d_4 \dots$

Displacement

The path from a moving body's starting point to its endpoint; a vector quantity describing magnitude, unit, and direction.

Dora's Total Distance (Sample Problem 1)

The total distance covered when Dora walks $3\,m$ East and $4\,m$ West, calculated as $d_T = 3\,m + 4\,m = 7\,m$.

Dora's Displacement (Sample Problem 1)

The displacement when Dora walks $3\,m$ East and $4\,m$ West, calculated as $d_T = 3\,m + (-4\,m) = -1\,m$ or $1\,m\text{, W}$.

Jules's Total Distance (Sample Problem 2)

The total distance covered when Jules travels $12\,km$ North, $6\,km$ South, and $1\,km$ North, calculated as $d_T = 12\,km + 6\,km + 1\,km = 19\,km$.

Jules's Displacement (Sample Problem 2)

The displacement when Jules travels $12\,km$ North, $6\,km$ South, and $1\,km$ North, calculated as $d_T = 12\,km + (-6\,km) + 1\,km = 7\,km$ or $7\,km\text{, N}$.

Mulan's Total Distance (Sample Problem 3)

The distance covered when Mulan travels $8\,m$ East then $4\,m$ West, calculated as $d_T = 8\,m + 4\,m = 12\,m$.

Mulan's Displacement (Sample Problem 3)

The displacement when Mulan travels $8\,m$ East then $4\,m$ West, calculated as $d_T = 8\,m + (-4\,m) = 4\,m$ or $4\,m\text{, E}$.