Distance, Displacement, speed and velocity

Question 1

What is distance?

Answer 1

It is how far an object has moved. It is a scalar quantity so it doesn’t involve direction.

Question 2

What is displacement ?

Answer 2

It measured the distance and direction in a straight line from an object’s starting point to its finishing point. Displacement is a vector quantity since the direction could be to a relative point. E.g. Towards the school.

Question 3

What is speed ?

Answer 3

How fast your going with no regard to the direction. So it’s is a scalar quantity.

Question 4

What is velocity ?

Answer 4

It is a speed given in a direction. So it is a vector quantity.

Question 5

What happens when an objects upthrust has a constant speed but changing velocity?

Answer 5

The object is changing direction whilst staying at the same speed.

Question 6

If you want to measure the speed of an object that is moving with a constant speed, you should use this equation
:

Answer 6

S = vt

Distance travelled ( m ) = speed ( m/s) x time ( s )

Question 7

What are the 6 typical speeds for everyday objects :

Answer 7

1. A person walking - 1.5 m/s
2. A person running - 3 m/s
3. A person cycling - 6 m/s
4. A car - 25 m/s
5. A train - 30 m/s
6. A plane - 250 m/s

Question 8

What can affect the speed something travels at ?

Answer 8

Fitness, age, distance travelled and the terrain