Distance vs Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance in physics?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity that represents the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Front

What is the definition of displacement in physics?

Back

Displacement is a vector quantity that represents the change in position of an object, defined as the shortest straight line from the initial position to the final position, along with the direction.

Front

How is distance different from displacement?

Back

Distance measures the total path length traveled, while displacement measures the shortest straight line between the starting and ending points, considering direction.

Front

What is the formula to calculate distance?

Back

Distance can be calculated using the formula: Distance = Speed × Time.

Front

What is the formula to calculate displacement?

Back

Displacement can be calculated using the formula: Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

In a scenario where an object returns to its starting point, what is its displacement?

Back

The displacement is zero because the initial and final positions are the same.

Front

If a person walks 30 meters east and then 40 meters west, what is their total distance traveled?

Back

The total distance traveled is 70 meters (30 meters + 40 meters).

Front

If a person walks 30 meters east and then 40 meters west, what is their displacement?

Back

The displacement is 10 meters west (Final position - Initial position).

Front

What is the significance of direction in displacement?

Back

Direction is crucial in displacement because it indicates the shortest path from the initial to the final position, making it a vector quantity.

Front

What is an example of a situation where distance is greater than displacement?

Back

If a person walks in a circular path and returns to the starting point, the distance traveled is greater than the displacement, which is zero.