Displacement and velocity as vectors: including circular motion
I can represent and calculate the velocity of moving objects.
Displacement and velocity as vectors: including circular motion
I can represent and calculate the velocity of moving objects.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The velocity of an object is its speed in a given direction.
- The displacement of an object is the distance it travels in a particular direction.
- Displacement and velocity are both vector quantities.
- Velocity has a positive value in one direction and negative value in the opposite direction.
- Motion in a circle involves a centripetal force which constantly changes the velocity of an object.
Keywords
Displacement - The displacement of an object is the distance travelled in a particular direction from a starting point.
Vector - A vector is a quantity with magnitude (size) and direction. Displacement and velocity are both vector quantities.
Velocity - The velocity of an object is its speed in a particular direction.
Centripetal force - A centripetal force acts towards the centre of a circle and causes object to travel in circular paths.
Common misconception
Pupils often have a tendency to believe that a velocity must have a positive value and have difficulty in associating a reverse in direction with a change in sign.
It is important to make sure pupils are secure in their knowledge of the vector–scalar distinction; use plenty of visual examples.
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Displacement and velocity as vectors: including circular motion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 combined science lesson on: Displacement and velocity as vectors: including circular motion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 combined science lessons from the Measuring and calculating motion unit, dive into the full secondary combined science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the distance travelled in a straight line from a starting point
a quantity with a magnitude (size) and a direction
a quantity with a magnitude (size) but not a direction
the speed of an object in a particular direction
a force that causes an object to travel in circle