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DISTANCE & DISPLACEMENT

The document explains the concepts of distance and displacement, highlighting the difference between scalar and vector quantities. Distance is defined as the actual length of the path taken and is a scalar quantity, while displacement is the straight line distance between initial and final positions and is a vector quantity. It also provides examples and specifies that displacement can be positive or negative based on direction.

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3 views

DISTANCE & DISPLACEMENT

The document explains the concepts of distance and displacement, highlighting the difference between scalar and vector quantities. Distance is defined as the actual length of the path taken and is a scalar quantity, while displacement is the straight line distance between initial and final positions and is a vector quantity. It also provides examples and specifies that displacement can be positive or negative based on direction.

Uploaded by

self.luv.tayo.dito
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DISTANCE and DISPLACEMENT

What is a reference point?


- the reference point is the point where motion is being
observed. Sometimes it is called a "frame of reference”.

Scalar vs. Vector


Scalar Quantities
-magnitude
Vector Quantities
-magnitude
-direction

*SCALAR QUANTITIES
-are quantities that are fully described by a magnitude
(or numerical value) alone.

The table below will serve as your reference for the common
examples of scalar quantities.
*VECTOR QUANTITIES
-are quantities that are fully describe by both a
magnitude and direction.

The table below will serve as your reference for the common
examples of vector quantities.

QUICK SUMMARY:
Scalar
Def: A scalar is a quantity with magnitude only.
Direction: No direction
Specified by: A number (magnitude) and a unit
Represented by: Quantity symbol
Example: 18 meters

Vector
Def: A vector is a quantity with the magnitude as well
as direction.
Direction: Yes, there is direction
Specified by: A number (magnitude), direction and
a unit
Represented by: Quantity symbol in bold or an arrow
sign above
Example: 18 meters, North
*DISTANCE
-is the actual length of the path taken by an object from its initial position
to its final position.
-it is a scalar quantity.
-the SI Unit of length or distance is the meter (m)- longer distances are
measured in kilometers (km).

SAMPLE PROBLEM
A physics teacher walks 4 meters East, 2 meters South,
4 meters West, and finally 2 meters North.
*DISPLACEMENT
-refers to the straight line distance from its initial and final
positions.
-difference between the final position and the initial position.
-it is a vector quantity.
-it can be zero.
NEGATIVE & POSITIVE
-Displacement can be positive or negative.
-Displacement is an example of a quantity that
has both a magnitude(size) and a direction.
-The direction of the displacement is designated
by the sign (positive or negative)
-We will say that displacements to the left and
down are negative and displacements to the right
and up are positive.

SAMPLE PROBLEM
A physics teacher walks 4 meters East, 2 meters South,
4 meters West, and finally 2 meters North.

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