Classifying scalars and vectors in kinematics

Steps:

• Vectors have both magnitude and direction; scalars have only magnitude.
• Displacement measures change in position, requiring direction, so it's a vector.
• Distance is the total path length traveled, independent of direction, so it's a scalar.
• Speed is the rate of distance covered, a scalar; acceleration is the rate of change of velocity (a vector), so acceleration is a vector.

Why D is correct:

• D aligns with definitions: acceleration and displacement depend on direction (vectors), while distance and speed do not (scalars).

Why the others are wrong:

• A misclassifies displacement as scalar and distance as vector.
• B misclassifies displacement as scalar and speed as vector.
• C misclassifies acceleration as scalar and speed as vector.

Final answer: D