Kinematics of Translation

Look at the pictures below.

Definition of terms:
• Position – refers to the location of an
object with respect to a frame of
reference
• Frame of Reference – a system that
allows an observer to specify
quantitatively where and when
something is observed
• Kinematics – describes motion in
terms of displacement, velocity, and
acceleration
• Dynamics – relates force and motion
• Translation – the term used in Physics
for motion in a straight line. It is
commonly described by three
quantities: displacement, velocity, and
acceleration.
• Scalar quantities – quantities that can
be described completely by their
magnitude and appropriate unit.
- mass, height, time, distance, speed
• Vector quantities – quantities that are
completely described by their
magnitude, appropriate unit and
direction.
- Velocity, displacement, acceleration, force
Distance and Displacement
• Distance (d) – the length of the path
taken by the body moving from its initial
to final position
• Displacement ( 𝒅) ഥ – a vector with
direction pointing from the initial to the
final position and a magnitude or length
equal to the straight-line distance from
the initial to the final position.
West East

A C 250m B 500m

What is the total distance covered by the

boy? 1000m
What is his displacement when he stopped at
point C? 250m, East
What is the displacement at point A? 0
West East

A C 250m B 500m

D 300m

What is the total distance covered by the

boy? 1050m
What is his displacement when he stopped at
point C? 250m, East
What is the displacement at point D? 50 m, West
West East

A C 250m B 500m

E 400m D
600m

What is the total distance 2000m

covered?
What is the displacement? 200m,
East
Left Right

A B 900 m
C 700 m
D 900 m
E 1200 m
Complete the table below:
Distance Displacement
A-C
A-D
A-E
Answer the questions:
1. How will you relate the concept of distance
and displacement in your life as a student?
2. If you will choose a path, which of the
following will you take? Why?
a. A smooth and flat road that can bring you
to your destination faster and easier.
b. A rough road that can make your travel
quite longer.
 Fact or Bluff
• Position refers to the location of an
object with respect to the force applied.
• Dynamics relates force and motion.
• Force can make things move and stop.
• Translation is the term used in Physics
for motion in a circular line.
 Fact or Bluff
• Kinematics describes motion in terms of
displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
• Frame of reference is a system that allows an
observer to specify quantitatively where and
when something is observed.
• Displacement is a scalar quantity.
 Fact or Bluff
• Scalar quantities are quantities that are
completely described by their magnitude,
appropriate unit and direction.
• Vector quantities are quantities that can be
described completely by their magnitude and
appropriate unit.
• Distance is the length of the path taken by the
body moving from its initial to final position.
Left Right

A B 1500 m
C 1000 m
D 450 m
E 230 m
Complete the table below:
Distance Displacement
A-C
A-D
A-E
Left Right
A B 500 m C 500 m
F 980 m
D 1000 m E 750 m

Complete the table below:

Distance Displacement
A-C
A-E
A-F