Distance displacement speed velocity acceleration for IGCSE Physics, GCE O level Physics

Pla Academy: IGCSE and A level buddy2 minutes read

Distance is different from displacement when the ball moves along a circular track, and speed is distinct from velocity as it involves direction. Acceleration is the change in velocity over time, with positive, negative, or zero values depending on the motion.

Insights

  • Displacement differs from distance by considering direction, as displacement is the shortest path between two points with direction, while distance is the total length traveled without regard to direction.
  • Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time and can be positive (speeding up), negative (slowing down), or zero (constant speed), calculated as final velocity minus initial velocity over time taken.

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Recent questions

  • What is the difference between distance and displacement?

    Distance is the total length covered, while displacement is the shortest path with direction.

  • How do speed and velocity differ?

    Speed is scalar, while velocity is a vector with direction.

  • What is acceleration?

    Acceleration is the change in velocity per unit time.

  • What is the difference between constant speed and average speed?

    Constant speed remains the same, while average speed is total distance per unit time.

  • How is acceleration calculated?

    Acceleration is calculated as final velocity minus initial velocity over time.

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Summary

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Motion and Forces: Distance, Speed, Acceleration Basics

  • Distance versus displacement: When a ball moves along a circular track from point A to point B, the distance traveled is half the circle's circumference, while displacement is the circle's diameter with direction. Returning to point A, the distance is the circle's circumference, but displacement is zero as the ball returns to its starting point.
  • Speed versus velocity: Speed is distance per unit time, a scalar quantity with magnitude only. Velocity includes direction, a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction. Instantaneous speed is at a moment, constant speed means consistent distance per unit time, and average speed is total distance per unit time.
  • Acceleration: Change in velocity per unit time, acceleration is a vector quantity with magnitude and direction. Acceleration can be positive (speeding up), negative (slowing down), or zero (constant speed). Acceleration is calculated as a equals V minus U over t, with V as final velocity, U as initial velocity, and t as time taken.
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