Question

1. decide if the following are vector or scalar quantities: a. speed __________ b. displacement ________ c. distance ________ d. velocity ________ e. acceleration __________

Explanation:

Step1: Recall scalar - vector definitions

A scalar quantity has only magnitude, while a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

Step2: Analyze speed

Speed is the rate of change of distance. It has only magnitude (e.g., 50 km/h). So it is a scalar.

Step3: Analyze displacement

Displacement is the change in position of an object. It has both magnitude (e.g., 10 meters) and direction (e.g., 10 meters east). So it is a vector.

Step4: Analyze distance

Distance is the total path length traveled. It has only magnitude (e.g., 20 kilometers). So it is a scalar.

Step5: Analyze velocity

Velocity is the rate of change of displacement. It has both magnitude (e.g., 30 m/s) and direction (e.g., 30 m/s north). So it is a vector.

Step6: Analyze acceleration

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. It has both magnitude (e.g., 2 m/s²) and direction (e.g., 2 m/s² upwards). So it is a vector.

Answer:

a. Scalar
b. Vector
c. Scalar
d. Vector
e. Vector