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Biomechanical Principles and Levers

Speed, distance and scalar quantities

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

Scalar quantities, distance and speed, worked speed calculations for sprints, laps and a marathon, and distance–time graphs.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is a scalar quantity?

Key term

Define distance.

Key term

What is speed, and how is it calculated?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is a scalar quantity?

    Model answer

    A scalar quantity has size, or magnitude, only. A scalar gives no direction.

  2. 2

    Define distance.

    Model answer

    Distance is the total length of the path travelled by a body, regardless of direction. Distance is a scalar measured in metres (m).

  3. 3

    What is speed, and how is it calculated?

    Model answer

    Speed is the rate of change of distance. Speed = distance ÷ time.

  4. 4

    State the unit of speed and explain why speed is a scalar.

    Model answer

    Speed is measured in metres per second (m s⁻¹). Speed is a scalar because it describes how fast a body moves but not in which direction.

  5. 5

    A sprinter runs 100 m in 10.0 s. What is the average speed?

    Model answer

    The average speed is 10.0 m s⁻¹. Speed = 100 m ÷ 10.0 s = 10.0 m s⁻¹.

  6. 6

    A runner completes one 400 m lap in 50 s. What is the average speed?

    Model answer

    The average speed is 8.0 m s⁻¹. Speed = 400 m ÷ 50 s = 8.0 m s⁻¹.

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