AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Flashcards: Scalars and Vectors in One Dimension
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What two characteristics are needed to properly describe a vector quantity?
A vector quantity must be described using both its magnitude and its direction.
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What two characteristics are needed to properly describe a vector quantity?
A vector quantity must be described using both its magnitude and its direction.
A person walks 5 meters forward (+5 m) and 2 meters backward (-2 m). What is their total displacement?
The total displacement is the vector sum: (+5 m) + (-2 m) = +3 m. The displacement is 3 meters forward.
What is a vector quantity?
Vectors are quantities described by both magnitude and direction.
How does the visual representation of a vector (an arrow) relate to its magnitude?
The length of the arrow is drawn to be proportional to the magnitude of the vector.
What is the key difference between scalars and vectors?
Scalars have only magnitude, while vectors have both magnitude and direction.
What is a vector sum in one dimension?
A vector sum in one dimension is the result of combining vectors along a single line, where opposite directions are denoted by opposite signs.
Classify 'position', 'displacement', 'velocity', and 'acceleration' as either scalar or vector.
Position, displacement, velocity, and acceleration are examples of vector quantities.
Classify 'distance' and 'speed' as either scalar or vector.
Distance and speed are examples of scalar quantities.
An object has a velocity of -25 m/s. What are the magnitude and direction of this vector?
The magnitude is 25 m/s, and the direction is indicated by the negative sign, meaning it moves in the negative direction of the chosen coordinate system.
How are vectors visually modeled?
Vectors can be visually modeled as arrows, where the length is proportional to the magnitude and the arrowhead indicates the direction.
Why is special vector notation (like î) not required for one-dimensional vector components?
Special vector notation is not required because the sign of the component (positive or negative) is sufficient to completely describe the direction along a single axis.
In one-dimensional problems, how is the direction of a vector component described?
In one dimension, the sign (positive or negative) of the component completely describes its direction along an axis.
When determining a vector sum in one dimension, how are opposite directions handled mathematically?
When determining a vector sum in a one-dimensional coordinate system, opposite directions are denoted by opposite signs (e.g., + for right, - for left).
What is a scalar quantity?
Scalars are quantities described by magnitude (a numerical value) only.