Distance and displacement

Front

What is distance?

Back

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

Front

What is displacement?

Back

Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object, measured as the shortest straight line from the initial to the final position.

Front

How are distance and displacement different?

Back

Distance is a scalar and only considers the length of the path traveled, while displacement is a vector and considers both the length and direction of the path.

Front

Can distance and displacement be equal?

Back

Yes, distance and displacement can be equal if the object moves in a straight line without changing direction.

Front

What happens to displacement if an object returns to its starting point?

Back

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

Front

If a car drives 84 meters forward, what is its distance and displacement?

Back

Both the distance and displacement are 84 meters.

Front

What is average speed?

Back

Average speed is the total distance traveled divided by the total time taken.

Front

Calculate the average speed of a frog that hops 50 cm in 5 seconds and then hops 60 cm in 2 seconds.

Back

Average speed = Total distance / Total time = (50 cm + 60 cm) / (5 s + 2 s) = 15.7 cm/s.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final position - Initial position.

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has magnitude only and no direction.