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Definitions and Terms

Learning Targets

2.01A - I know the difference between position, distance, and displacement (change in position) and I can determine each.

Can You...

  • Define and differentiate the following terms

Vector:

Physical quantity which has a value (magnitude) and a direction. Examples:
  • Velocity
  • Displacement
  • Acceleration

Scalar: 

Physical quantity which has a value, but NO DIRECTION.  Examples:
  • Time
  • Mass
  • Temperature

Position: 

Position is an object's location with respect to a particular coordinate system.
  • I would think of this as an address. It tells you where something is, but not how to get there. ​

Distance: 

Distance is the magnitude (length) of the displacement vector

Displacement (Change in Position): 

Displacement is a vector that starts from an object's initial position and ends at its final position.

Speed: 

​How much distance is travelled in a certain amount of time.

​Velocity: 

​How much your position changes in a certain amount of time.

​Acceleration:

How much velocity changes in a certain amount of time. 
  • If velocity increases (positive acceleration), it becomes more positive.  If an object has a positive velocity, it would speed up to make the velocity more positive.  But if velocity is negative, it would have to slow down to make the velocity more positive.
  • If velocity decreases (negative acceleration), it becomes more negative.  If an object has a positive velocity, it would slow down to make the velocity more negative.  But if velocity is negative, it would have to speed up to make the velocity more negative.
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"There is no science in this world like physics. Nothing comes close to the precision with which physics enables you to understand the world around you. It's the laws of physics that allow us to say exactly what time the sun is going to rise. What time the eclipse is going to begin. What time the eclipse is going to end."
​
-Neil deGrasse Tyson
  • Home
  • General Physics
    • Class Policies >
      • Grading Policy
    • Unit 1 - Patterns and Measurements >
      • Experimental Design
      • Data Collection
      • Mathematical Modeling
    • Unit 2 - Motion >
      • Definitions and Terms
      • Position Time Graphs
      • Velocity Time Graphs
      • Relating Different Representations
      • Problem Solving
    • Unit 3 - Forces >
      • Nature of Forces
      • Newton's Laws
      • Problem Solving
    • Leader Board >
      • Quarter 1
      • Quarter 2
  • AP Physics C
  • Explore Something New
  • About
  • Contact
    • Digital Portfolios