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- Scalars, Vectors, and Motion
Scalars, vectors, and one dimensional motion
- Intro Lesson: a9:43
- Intro Lesson: b2:39
- Lesson: 16:55
- Lesson: 26:45
Scalars, vectors, and one dimensional motion
Lessons
In this lesson, we will learn:
- Definition of scalar and vector
- How to write scalars and vectors in physics
- The definitions of distance, displacement, speed, and velocity
- Calculations involving scalars and vectors
Notes:
Scaler: a quantity with a magnitude only
Vector:a quantity with magnitude and direction
- Symbols for vectors can be written with arrows on top (like d), symbols for scalars do not have arrows (like t)
- Distance, speed, time, and mass are examples of scalars: they do not have a direction.
- Position, displacement, and velocity are examples of vectors: they do have direction.
Displacement
Δd: df−di
Δd:displacement,inmeters(m)
df:finalposition,inmeters(m)
di:initialposition,inmeters(m)
Speed
v=d/t
v:speed,inmeterspersecond(m/s)
d:distance,inmeters(m)
t:timeinterval,inseconds(s)
Velocity
v=Δd/t
v:velocity,inmeterspersecond(m/s)
- IntroductionIntroduction to scalars, vectors, and one dimensional motiona)How to write scalars and vectors; definitions of distance, position and displacementb)Definitions of speed and velocity
- 1.Distance and displacement, speed and velocity
Betty walks 5 m to the east, then 7 m to the west, in 10 s.
- What is the total distance travelled?
- What are Betty's initial and final positions, and displacement?
- What is Betty's speed?
- What is Betty's velocity?
- 2.Rearranging v=Δd/t for displacement and time
A car travels at 11.0 m/s [E]
- What is its displacement if it travels for 13.5 s?
- How long does it take to travel 542 m?