Motion in 1D Vocabulary

Vocabulary and fundamental concepts covering 1D kinematics, scalar/vector quantities, and graph interpretations.

Displacement

A vector quantity that measures how far an object is from its starting point in a specific direction.

Distance

A scalar quantity that measures the total ground covered by an object regardless of direction.

Scalar Quantity

A physical measurement that possesses magnitude only, such as temperature, distance, or speed.

Vector Quantity

A physical measurement that possesses both magnitude and direction, such as displacement, velocity, or acceleration.

Slope of a Position-Time (p/t) Graph

Represents the velocity of an object, describing how far position changes over time.

Slope of a Velocity-Time (v/t) Graph

Represents the acceleration of an object, describing how fast velocity changes over time.

Zero Slope on a Position-Time Graph

Indicates that the object is stationary and its position is not changing over time.

Zero Slope on a Velocity-Time Graph

Indicates that the object is traveling at a constant velocity with an acceleration of $0\,m/s^2$.

Speedometer

An instrument in a vehicle that measures instantaneous speed, which is a scalar quantity.

Instantaneous Speed

The speed of an object measured at a specific, precise moment in time.

Curved Line on a Position-Time Graph

Indicates changing velocity (acceleration), as the object covers different amounts of distance over equal time intervals.

Constant Acceleration

A state of motion where velocity changes along a straight line going up or down on a velocity-time graph.

Coordinate System

A reference frame established with a designated starting point and a specified positive direction.