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Distance vs. Displacement

Scalar vs. Vector

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Distance – length of travel

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Displacement – from starting point to ending point

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Distance

Magnitude only

​

10 meters

15 miles

6 feet

700 km

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Distance – length of travel

The person walked 60 meters.

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Displacement

Magnitude AND direction

​

10 meters North

15 miles East

6 feet Down

700 km @ 50 degrees east

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Displacement – from starting point to ending point

The persons displacement was 15 meters south east.

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Blue line = Distance

Red line = Displacement

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Scalar Quantities

  • A scalar quantity is any type of number that only has a MAGNITUDE

​

      • For example: Distance

Magnitude only

​

10 meters

15 miles

6 feet

700 km

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Vector Quantities

  • A vector quantity is any type of number that has a magnitude AND a direction

​

      • For example: Displacement

Magnitude AND direction

​

10 meters North

15 miles East

6 feet Down

700 km @ 50 degrees east

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Practice: Scalar Vs. Vector

  • 50 m
  • 600 feet
  • 15 m north
  • 100 centimeters
  • 14 kilometers east
  • 98 millimeters
  • 53 meters southwest

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