AP Physics C: Mechanics - Fundamental Concepts

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Scalar

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A physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction. Examples include distance, speed, mass, time, and temperature. Scalars can be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided using ordinary arithmetic operations.

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Vector

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A physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. Examples include displacement, velocity, acceleration, and force. Vectors are represented graphically as arrows, with the arrow length proportional to magnitude and the arrowhead indicating direction.

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Displacement

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A vector quantity representing the change in position of an object. Displacement = delta x = x_final - x_initial. Unlike distance, displacement depends only on the initial and final positions, not the path taken. Measured in meters (m).

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Average Velocity

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The displacement of an object divided by the time interval during which that displacement occurs. Formula: v_avg = delta x / delta t. Average velocity is a vector quantity and points in the direction of displacement. Measured in m/s.

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Average Acceleration

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The change in velocity divided by the time interval during which that change occurs. Formula: a_avg = delta v / delta t. Acceleration occurs when either the magnitude or direction of velocity changes. Measured in m/s^2.