Segment A: Distance and Displacement
Segment A: Distance and Displacement
We discuss the difference between distance and displacement and look at examples of what distinguishes them from one another in both one and two dimensions.
Science
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the relationship between distance, displacement, speed, velocity, and acceleration as functions of time.
Plan and carry out an investigation of one-dimensional motion to calculate average and instantaneous speed and velocity.
- Analyze one-dimensional problems involving changes of direction, using algebraic signs to represent vector direction.
- Apply one-dimensional kinematic equations to situations with no acceleration, and positive, or negative constant acceleration.
Analyze and interpret data using created or obtained motion graphs to illustrate the relationships among position, velocity, and acceleration, as functions of time.
Ask questions to compare and contrast scalar and vector quantities.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the relationships among force, mass, and motion.
Plan and carry out an investigation to analyze the motion of an object using mathematical and graphical models.
-Compare and contrast distance and displacement.
-Calculate the distance and displacement of an object that has moved from an initial position.
-Understand how to calculate distance and displacement for objects that move in one dimension and two dimensions.
displacement - an object’s overall change in position; the SI unit is the meter (m).
distance - a measure of how far an object has traveled; the SI unit is the meter (m).
The Physics in Motion teacher toolkit provides instructions and answer keys for study questions, practice problems, labs for all seven units of study. GPB offers the teacher toolkit at no cost to Georgia educators.To order your teacher toolkit, complete and submit this form to request the teacher toolkit. You only need to submit this form one time to get materials for all seven units.
