IBDP Physics — Core Concepts & Definitions

Front

Displacement

Back

Displacement is the change in position of an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (distance) and direction, measured in meters (m). Unlike distance, it can be negative depending on the reference frame.

Front

Velocity

Back

Velocity is the rate of change of displacement with respect to time. It is a vector quantity (speed + direction), measured in meters per second (m/s). Average velocity is calculated as total displacement divided by total time.

Front

Acceleration

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity with respect to time. It is a vector quantity measured in meters per second squared (m/s²). A change in speed, direction, or both results in acceleration.

Front

Newton’s First Law of Motion

Back

Also known as the Law of Inertia, it states that an object remains at rest or moves at constant velocity unless acted upon by a net external force. This defines the natural state of motion in the absence of interaction.

Front

Newton’s Second Law of Motion

Back

This law states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on it and inversely proportional to its mass. The formula is F = ma, where Force (F) is measured in Newtons (N).