Translational Motion I: Distance, Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts of translational motion including distance, displacement, scalar and vector quantities, speed, velocity, acceleration, and problem-solving framework.

Translational Motion

The movement of an object from one location to another where every part of the object moves the same distance in the same direction.

Distance

A scalar quantity representing the total length of the path traveled by an object without regard to direction.

Displacement

A vector quantity representing the straight-line change in position of an object from its starting point to its ending point.

Scalar Quantity

A physical quantity that has magnitude only.

Vector Quantity

A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

Speed

A scalar quantity that indicates how fast an object is moving, ignoring direction.

Velocity

A vector quantity that indicates the rate at which an object changes position, including both speed and direction.

Average Velocity

Displacement divided by the time interval, expressed as $\bar{v} = \frac{\vec{d}}{t}$ with the SI unit of meters per second ($\text{m/s}$).

Acceleration

A vector quantity describing the rate of change of velocity over time, expressed as $a = \frac{\Delta \vec{v}}{t}$ with the SI unit of meters per second squared ($\text{m/s}^2$).

Positive Acceleration

Acceleration that usually refers to an object speeding up in the positive direction.

Deceleration

Negative acceleration that occurs when an object slows down or brakes.

Velocity-Time Graph

A graph visualizing acceleration where an upward slope represents positive acceleration, a flat line represents constant velocity, and a downward slope represents negative acceleration.

GAES Method

A structured problem-solving approach standing for Given, Asked, Equation, and Solution.