Biomechanics definitions and equations

Question 1

Scalars definition

Answer 1

Scalars can be described by magnitude e.g. mass, distance, speed and volume

Question 2

Vectors definition

Answer 2

Vectors have both magnitude and direction. Represented by arrows e.g. velocity, force and acceleration

Question 3

Definition of distance

Answer 3

Scalar quantity. Length of path followed by an object in motion - direction of motion is not considered

Question 4

Definition of displacement

Answer 4

Vector quantity. The straight line distance in a specific direction from the initial position to the final position

Question 5

Definition and equation for speed

Answer 5

Speed measures the rate of motion, no direction so scalar quantity.

Speed = distance/time

Question 6

Definition and equation for velocity

Answer 6

Measures the rate of motion but in a specific direction so is a vector quantity

velocity = displacement/time

Question 7

Definition and equation for acceleration

Answer 7

Any change in an objects velocity - speeds up, slows down, starts, stops or changes in direction

Acceleration = velocity/time 
Unit = meters per second per second