High School Physics

Question 1

What is a coordinate system?

Answer 1

System we define to describe position. The origin is the point we label as zero. Coordinate systems also define directions for positive and negative numbers.

Question 2

Position

Answer 2

Location of an object relative to the origin. We often use the symbol x to refer to position

Question 3

What is displacement?

Answer 3

Change in position of an object. We use the symbol Δx for displacement, where Δ means “change.” A vector quantity with units of distance

Question 4

Distance

Answer 4

Total amount the object has moved. This depends on the whole path traveled, not just the starting and ending points. Distance traveled is always a non-negative number. A scalar quantity with units of distance

Question 5

Reference frame

Answer 5

A point of view from which measurements can be made. All frames of reference are equally valid.

Question 6

Δx=x−x0

Answer 6

Δx is the displacement, x is the final position, and x0 is the initial position

Displacement is the difference between the final and initial positions