Displacement is the distance moved in a specified direction from a reference point; it is a vector quantity.

Why is displacement classified as a vector rather than a scalar?

Because displacement has both magnitude and direction, specifying not just how far an object has moved but also in which direction from the reference point.

Define average speed.

Average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time taken.

Calculate the average speed when total distance = 360 m, total time = 17 s.

Average speed = 360 ÷ 17 = 21.2 m s⁻¹.

OCR A-Level Physics A H556

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Motion

Displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

3 things to know
Papers 1 and 3

Overview

Recall questions on defining displacement, instantaneous and average speed, velocity and acceleration, why displacement and velocity are vectors, and calculating average speed.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is meant by instantaneous speed?

Key term

How does average speed differ from instantaneous speed?

Key term

Define acceleration.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
Define displacement.
Model answer
Displacement is the distance moved in a specified direction from a reference point; it is a vector quantity.
2
Why is displacement classified as a vector rather than a scalar?
Model answer
Because displacement has both magnitude and direction, specifying not just how far an object has moved but also in which direction from the reference point.
3
What is meant by instantaneous speed?
Model answer
Instantaneous speed is the rate of change of distance at a particular instant in time.
4
How does average speed differ from instantaneous speed?
Model answer
Average speed is calculated over an entire journey using total distance and total time, whereas instantaneous speed refers to the speed at one specific moment.
5
Define average speed.
Model answer
Average speed is the total distance travelled divided by the total time taken.
6
Calculate the average speed when total distance = 360 m, total time = 17 s.
Model answer
Average speed = 360 ÷ 17 = 21.2 m s⁻¹.

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Displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration

Overview

What you need to know

What is meant by instantaneous speed?

How does average speed differ from instantaneous speed?

Define acceleration.

Questions from this subtopic

Define displacement.

Why is displacement classified as a vector rather than a scalar?

What is meant by instantaneous speed?

How does average speed differ from instantaneous speed?

Define average speed.

Calculate the average speed when total distance = 360 m, total time = 17 s.

Other ways to work this

What is inside Levo

The 3-step method, run for you

Cram a whole paper in one sitting

Blank Blitz makes facts automatic

Build It gets the exam shape right

Test It catches misconceptions

Brain Breaks between sessions

Every question in Motion, on a schedule.