Movement and Position

3 marks · Easy

A runner travels at a steady speed of 8 m/s for 5 seconds.

(a)

Calculate the distance travelled by the runner in this time.

[2 marks]

(b)

Is the distance calculated a vector or scalar quantity? Explain your answer.

[1 mark]

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(a) 40 m

(b) scalar (distance has size only, no direction)

Common mistakes: Confusing displacement with distance

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Marking points

M1 (a) · 1 mark · Calculates distance = speed × time (8 × 5)

A1 (a) · 1 mark · Correct answer with unit: 40 m

B1 (b) · 1 mark · Identifies distance as a scalar with suitable explanation

Worked solution

a) distance = speed × time = 8 m/s × 5 s = 40 m

b) Distance is a scalar because it only has magnitude, not direction.