Physics: Distance, Displacement, Vectors, and Time

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Chapters 1 through 6, including distance, displacement, scalar and vector quantities, coordinate systems, and elapsed time.

Displacement

The difference between where an object starts and where it finishes, calculated as final position minus initial position ($x_f - x_i$).

Distance

The total path length traveled by an object, which continuously accumulates regardless of the direction moved.

Delta ($\Delta$)

A mathematical symbol used in physics equations to denote a change or difference between a final value and an initial value.

Scalar

A quantity that consists solely of a numerical value (magnitude) without any associated direction.

Vector

A quantity defined by both a magnitude and a direction.

Speed

A scalar quantity that describes how fast an object moves without specifying a direction (e.g., $70\,\text{mph}$).

Velocity

A vector quantity that describes both the speed of an object and the direction in which it moves (e.g., $70\,\text{mph}\,\text{north}$).

Coordinate System

A user-defined framework where a zero reference point and directional signs (positive and negative) are established to model motion.

Elapsed Time ($\Delta t$)

The duration of an event, calculated as the final time minus the initial time ($t_f - t_i$).