Scribd
Upload
3 views

Physics_Differences_Complete

The document outlines key differences between various physics concepts, including distance vs displacement, speed vs velocity, and acceleration vs retardation. It also compares types of pendulums, wave behaviors, and interference patterns, as well as the distinctions between conductors and insulators. Each comparison is illustrated with examples to clarify the concepts.

Uploaded by

shubhamgaddam2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

Physics_Differences_Complete

The document outlines key differences between various physics concepts, including distance vs displacement, speed vs velocity, and acceleration vs retardation. It also compares types of pendulums, wave behaviors, and interference patterns, as well as the distinctions between conductors and insulators. Each comparison is illustrated with examples to clarify the concepts.

Uploaded by

shubhamgaddam2007
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 11

Physics Differences - Complete

Distance vs Displacement

Distance Displacement

Scalar quantity Vector quantity

Depends on path taken Depends on initial and final position

Always positive Can be positive, negative, or zero

Example: Car odometer Example: Shortest path between two points


Speed vs Velocity

Speed Velocity

Scalar quantity Vector quantity

Rate of change of distance Rate of change of displacement

Always positive Can be positive, negative, or zero

Example: 60 km/h Example: 60 km/h north


Acceleration vs Retardation

Acceleration Retardation

Increase in velocity Decrease in velocity

Positive acceleration Negative acceleration

Example: Car speeding up Example: Car slowing down

Occurs due to applied force Occurs due to opposing force


Conical Pendulum vs Simple Pendulum

Conical Pendulum Simple Pendulum

Moves in a circular path Moves back and forth in a straight path

Tension provides centripetal force Gravity and tension control motion

Example: Swinging bucket Example: Wall clock pendulum

Has horizontal and vertical components Has only vertical motion


Progressive Waves vs Stationary Waves

Progressive Waves Stationary Waves

Energy moves through the medium No energy transfer

Waves travel in one direction Wave appears to be standing still

Example: Sound waves Example: Vibrations in a guitar string

Have crests and troughs Have nodes and antinodes


Interference vs Diffraction

Interference Diffraction

Occurs due to superposition of waves Occurs when waves bend around obstacles

Requires at least two waves Can occur with a single wave

Example: Young's Double Slit Experiment Example: Sound around a corner

Forms constructive and destructive patterns Spreads waves into geometric shadow
Free Vibrations vs Forced Vibrations

Free Vibrations Forced Vibrations

Occurs without external force Occurs due to an external force

Natural frequency is maintained Frequency depends on the external source

Example: Tuning fork Example: Soundboard of a guitar

No energy loss Energy is continuously supplied


Constructive Interference vs Destructive Interference

Constructive Interference Destructive Interference

Waves combine to form a larger wave Waves cancel each other out

Occurs when waves are in phase Occurs when waves are out of phase

Example: Bright fringes in interference Example: Dark fringes in interference

Amplitude increases Amplitude decreases


UCM vs Non-UCM

Uniform Circular Motion Non-Uniform Circular Motion

Speed remains constant Speed varies

Acceleration is perpendicular to velocity Acceleration has radial and tangential components

Example: Earth orbiting the Sun Example: A car taking a sharp turn

Force remains the same Force changes over time


Conductor vs Insulator

Conductor Insulator

Allows electricity to flow easily Resists electricity flow

Has free electrons No free electrons

Example: Copper, Silver Example: Rubber, Glass

Used in electrical circuits Used for insulation

You might also like