4/20/25, 8:05 AM WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position, Distance and Displacement for WASSCE Success

POSCHOLARS

WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position,

Distance and Displacement for WASSCE
Success
Dec 28 2024 06:11 PM
Osason
WAEC/GCE/NECO

Position, Distance and Displacement | Waec

Physics
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Preparing for an exam can feel overwhelming, but remember, you've worked hard to get
to this point, and you have what it takes to succeed. Focus on understanding the core
concepts, practice consistently, and trust in your abilities. Believe in yourself, stay
determined, and give it your best effort—you’re capable of achieving great things!
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Are you gearing up for your WAEC Physics exam and feeling unsure about where to start
with the topic Position, Distance and Displacement? Don’t worry—you’ve come to the
right place! This lesson note is designed to make the topic crystal clear and help you
master the foundational concepts you need to excel. Whether you’re tackling tricky
questions or just looking for a quick and easy guide, this blog post will equip you with the
knowledge and confidence to ace your WASSCE. Dive in, and let’s conquer the topic
"Position, Distance and Displacement" together, one step closer to your success! Blissful
learning.
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The table of content below will guide you on the related topics pertaining to "Position,
Distance and Displacement" you can navigate to the one that captures your interest
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Table of Contents

1. Waec Lesson note on the Concept of position as a location of point

2. Waec Lesson notes on the Concept of direction as a way of locating a point

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Waec Lesson note on the Concept of position as a location

of point
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Concept of Position as a Location of a Point – Rectangular Coordinates

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4/20/25, 8:05 AM WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position, Distance and Displacement for WASSCE Success

1. The position of a point is its specific location in a given space.

2. Rectangular coordinates (Cartesian coordinates) represent a point using

perpendicular axes.
3. The two-dimensional Cartesian system uses the X-axis (horizontal) and Y-axis
(vertical).
4. The three-dimensional Cartesian system includes an additional Z-axis for
depth.

5. Coordinates are expressed as ordered pairs (x, y) in 2D or triples (x, y, z) in

3D.

6. A point's location is determined by its perpendicular distances from the axes.

7. The origin (0, 0, 0) is the intersection of the X, Y, and Z axes.

8. Positive and negative values indicate a point's position relative to the axes.

9. Rectangular coordinates are widely used in physics, engineering, and

geometry.

10. The system provides a precise and standardized way to locate objects.
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Position of Objects in Space Using the X, Y, Z Axes

11. Objects in 3D space are described using three coordinates: x, y , and z .

12. The x-axis represents the horizontal dimension.

13. The y -axis represents the vertical dimension.

14. The z -axis represents the depth or third dimension.

15. A point's position is written as (x, y, z), showing its distance along each axis.

16. Positive z -coordinates place points above the origin in 3D space.

17. Negative z -coordinates place points below the origin in 3D space.

18. The Pythagorean theorem extends to 3D for calculating distances:

x2 + y 2 + z 2 . ​

19. The coordinate system enables mapping, modeling, and visualization of spatial
relationships.

20. It is essential in fields like computer graphics, navigation, and structural design.
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Measurement of Distance

21. Distance is the length of a straight line between two points.

22. It is a scalar quantity with magnitude but no direction.

23. In 2D, distance between points (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) is given by

​ ​ ​ ​

(x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 .
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

24. In 3D, distance is calculated as (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 + (z2 − z1 )2 .

​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

25. Measuring distance requires appropriate tools based on the object’s size and
precision needed.
26. Accurate distance measurement is critical in construction, surveying, and
physics experiments.

27. Distance can also be measured indirectly using triangulation or laser

rangefinders.

28. The accuracy of distance measurements depends on the method and tools
used.
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Use of String, Metre Rule, Vernier Callipers, and Micrometer Screw Gauge

29. A string is useful for measuring curved or irregular surfaces.

30. The metre rule is a basic tool for measuring straight-line distances up to 1
meter.
31. The smallest division on a metre rule is typically 1 mm, giving an accuracy of 0.1
cm.

32. Vernier callipers measure small lengths, diameters, and depths with precision.

33. A typical vernier calliper provides an accuracy of up to 0.01 cm.

34. The vernier scale enhances precision by dividing main scale units into finer
increments.

35. Micrometer screw gauges measure very small dimensions like wire thickness or
paper.

36. A micrometer screw gauge has an accuracy of up to 0.01 mm.

37. Proper calibration of these tools is essential for maintaining measurement

accuracy.
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38. Each tool serves specific applications based on the object's size and required
precision.
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Degree of Accuracy

39. The degree of accuracy refers to the closeness of a measurement to its true
value.

40. It depends on the precision of the measuring tool and the skill of the user.

41. Higher accuracy is achieved by using tools with finer scales.

42. The choice of tool is determined by the required accuracy of the
measurement.

43. Measurement errors, including parallax and calibration issues, can affect
accuracy.

44. Accuracy in scientific experiments ensures the reliability of results and

conclusions.

45. Proper handling and consistent methodology improve the degree of accuracy.
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Metre (m) as Unit of Distance

46. The metre (m) is the SI unit for measuring distance.

47. It is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299, 792, 458
seconds.

48. The metre is the base unit from which larger (e.g., kilometers) and smaller (e.g.,
millimeters) units are derived.

49. Use of a standard unit like the metre ensures consistency in measurements
worldwide.

50. The metre is integral to science, engineering, and everyday applications like
construction and transportation.
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Waec Lesson notes on the Concept of direction as a way of

locating a point
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Concept of Direction as a Way of Locating a Point – Bearing

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4/20/25, 8:05 AM WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position, Distance and Displacement for WASSCE Success

1. Direction specifies the orientation of a point relative to a reference, such as

north.

2. Bearings are used to describe direction as angles measured clockwise from

the north.

3. Bearings are typically expressed in three-digit numbers (e.g., 045∘ ).

4. A bearing of 000∘ points directly north, while 090∘ points east.

5. Bearings help in navigation, mapping, and determining relative positions.

6. True bearings are measured from true north, while magnetic bearings are
measured from magnetic north.

7. Bearings are commonly used in aviation, maritime, and land navigation.

8. Relative bearings describe the direction of one object as seen from another.

9. Bearings provide a precise way to locate and describe a point in space.

10. Knowing bearings is essential for accurate navigation and orientation.

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Use of Compass and Protractor

11. A compass is an instrument used to find directions based on Earth’s magnetic

field.
12. The compass needle always points toward magnetic north.

13. Protractors are used to measure angles accurately in degrees.

14. Combining a compass with a protractor allows for precise bearing

measurements.

15. The compass rose on a map aids in determining direction and bearings.

16. Protractors are semi-circular or circular, marked with degree measurements

from 0∘ to 360∘ .

17. To measure a bearing, align the compass with a reference direction and read
the angle.

18. Compasses are often used in outdoor activities like hiking and orienteering.

19. A protractor is essential for drawing and measuring angles in maps and graphs.

20. Proper handling and calibration of these tools ensure accurate measurements.
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4/20/25, 8:05 AM WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position, Distance and Displacement for WASSCE Success

Distinction Between Distance and Displacement

21. Distance is the total length of the path traveled between two points.

22. Displacement is the shortest straight-line distance between two points,

including direction.

23. Distance is a scalar quantity with magnitude only.

24. Displacement is a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction.

25. For a straight-line journey, distance and displacement are equal.

26. For curved or irregular paths, distance is always greater than or equal to
displacement.

27. Displacement can be zero if the start and end points are the same.

28. Distance is measured in units like meters (m), kilometers (km), or miles.

29. Displacement is represented by an arrow indicating both the length and

direction.

30. Understanding the difference is critical in physics, particularly in kinematics.

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Graphical Location and Directions by Axes

31. Graphical representation uses axes to determine the location and direction of
points.

32. In a 2D Cartesian plane, positions are described by coordinates (x, y).

33. The horizontal axis (X-axis) represents the east-west direction.

34. The vertical axis (Y-axis) represents the north-south direction.

35. In a 3D Cartesian system, the Z-axis adds depth or height.

36. Directions are represented as vectors originating from the origin or other
reference points.

37. The slope of a line between two points indicates the direction of travel.
38. Angles between vectors can be calculated to describe relative directions.

39. Displacement vectors are plotted graphically to represent movement.

40. Graphical methods simplify the analysis of positions and directions in physics
and engineering.
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Practical Applications

41. Bearings are used in map reading and navigation to identify destinations.

42. The compass is crucial for outdoor survival, helping travelers find their way.

43. Protractors are useful in engineering, architecture, and physics for angle
measurement.

44. Understanding distance and displacement is key in determining efficiency of

movement.

45. Graphical methods help in visualizing and solving problems involving vectors
and forces.

46. Bearings aid in maritime navigation by providing precise ship orientations.

47. Compasses and protractors ensure accuracy in plotting points on geographical

maps.
48. Displacement analysis is critical in mechanics to determine net motion.

49. Graphical location systems are widely used in GPS and geographic information
systems (GIS).

50. Combining tools like compasses, protractors, and graphs enhances

understanding of direction and position.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post! Your interest and engagement mean
so much to me, and I hope the content provided valuable insights and sparked your
curiosity. Your journey as a student is inspiring, and it’s my goal to contribute to your
growth and success.
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better. Keep striving, learning, and achieving! 😊📚✨
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I recommend you check my Post on the following:

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- WAEC Physics- Lesson Note on Mass and Weight for WASSCE Success
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This is all we can take on "WAEC Physics- Lesson Notes on Position, Distance and
Displacement for WASSCE Success"
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