Measurement of Displacement, Velocity, and Acceleration Quiz Quiz

Explore the principles of measuring displacement, velocity, and acceleration with this targeted quiz. Assess your understanding of key concepts, units, and practical scenarios to strengthen your grasp on fundamental motion measurements.

1. Identifying the Correct Unit for Displacement

   Which of the following is the standard SI unit for measuring displacement when a runner completes a 100-meter dash?

   1. Newton
   2. Second
   3. Kilogram
   4. Meter

   Explanation: Meter is the SI unit for displacement, representing the length of the path between two points. 'Second' measures time, not length. 'Kilogram' is used for mass, and 'Newton' measures force. Choosing meters ensures that displacement is quantified as a straight-line distance, which is essential in motion studies.

2. Difference Between Average and Instantaneous Velocity

   A car travels varying speeds on a trip; what is the main difference between its average velocity and instantaneous velocity?

   1. Average velocity considers the total displacement over total time, but instantaneous velocity is the speed at a specific moment
   2. Instantaneous velocity uses total distance, while average velocity uses direction only
   3. Average velocity always equals instantaneous velocity
   4. Average velocity is measured at a single point, while instantaneous velocity is measured over an interval

   Explanation: Average velocity is the total displacement divided by total time, reflecting the overall change, while instantaneous velocity is the rate of change at a particular instant. Measuring at a single point refers to instantaneous, not average velocity. The phrase about distance only applies to average speed, not velocity, and the velocities are not always equal except during uniform motion.

3. Selecting an Instrument for Measuring Very Small Displacement

   Which instrument is most appropriate for accurately measuring a displacement of less than 2 millimeters in a laboratory setup?

   1. Vernier caliper
   2. Barometer
   3. Thermometer
   4. Altimeter

   Explanation: A Vernier caliper is designed to measure very small lengths or displacements with high precision, making it suitable for movements smaller than a few millimeters. Barometers are used for pressure, thermometers for temperature, and altimeters for altitude, none of which are meant for linear displacement measurements. Vernier calipers provide reliable accuracy for short-range measurements.

4. Interpreting Acceleration in a Motion Scenario

   If a cyclist increases their velocity from 5 m/s to 15 m/s in 5 seconds, what property does this change describe?

   1. Acceleration
   2. Frequency
   3. Amplitude
   4. Density

   Explanation: Acceleration refers to the change in velocity over time, which matches the cyclist’s scenario. Frequency is related to cycles per second, not speed change. Density measures mass per unit volume, and amplitude describes the height of a wave, making them incorrect for this context. The velocity increase over time directly signifies acceleration.

5. Graphical Interpretation of Uniform Velocity

   When plotting a position-time graph for an object moving at constant velocity, which of the following best describes the shape of the graph?

   1. A zigzag pattern
   2. A horizontal line above the time axis
   3. A curve that increases at an increasing rate
   4. A straight line with a constant slope

   Explanation: A straight line with a constant slope on a position-time graph indicates uniform velocity, as the position changes by equal amounts over equal time intervals. A curve would suggest acceleration, not constant velocity. A horizontal line would mean zero displacement, and a zigzag pattern does not represent steady movement. Therefore, the straight line is correct for uniform motion.