Physics Quiz: Part 2

Distance vs. Displacement: Distance (scalar) is the total path length traveled. Displacement ($\Delta \vec{x}$), a vector, is the straight-line change in position from start to end.

Speed vs. Velocity: Speed (scalar) is how fast you're moving (distance/time). Velocity ($\vec{v}$), a vector, is speed in a specific direction. Average velocity is $\vec{v}_{avg} = \frac{\Delta \vec{x}}{\Delta t}$.

Acceleration: Acceleration ($\vec{a}$), a vector, is the rate of change of velocity. An object accelerates if it speeds up, slows down, or changes direction. Average acceleration is $\vec{a}_{avg} = \frac{\Delta \vec{v}}{\Delta t}$.