Distance and displacement (AQA GCSE Physics): Flashcards
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12 cards from this deck
Define distance
Define distance
Total path an object has taken
Define displacement
Define displacement
Straight-line distance from start to finish plus direction
Is distance a scalar or vector quantity?
Is distance a scalar or vector quantity?
Scalar quantity
Is displacement a scalar or vector quantity?
Is displacement a scalar or vector quantity?
Vector quantity
Can distance be negative?
Can distance be negative?
No, distance is always positive
Can displacement be zero?
Can displacement be zero?
Yes, if you return to your starting point
What is the displacement when you return to your starting point?
What is the displacement when you return to your starting point?
Zero
Can displacement be greater than distance?
Can displacement be greater than distance?
No, displacement can never be greater than distance
When do distance and displacement equal each other?
When do distance and displacement equal each other?
When you travel in a straight line
How to calculate total distance
How to calculate total distance
Add up all the distances travelled
How to find displacement in right-angled situations?
How to find displacement in right-angled situations?
Use Pythagoras' theorem
Which is longer: distance or displacement?
Which is longer: distance or displacement?
Distance is longer or equal to displacement