Displacement vs. Distance

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Front

What is the definition of displacement?

Back

Displacement is the change in position of an object, measured as the shortest straight line from the initial position to the final position, including direction.

Front

If a person walks 100 meters east and then 100 meters west, what is their displacement?

Back

0 meters, because they end up at the starting point.

Front

If a person walks 300 meters north, what is their distance traveled?

Back

300 meters.

Front

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

Back

The displacement is zero.

Front

How do you calculate distance when an object moves in a straight line?

Back

Distance is simply the total length of the path taken.

Front

How do you calculate displacement?

Back

Displacement is calculated by subtracting the initial position from the final position.

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity (only magnitude), while displacement is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).

Front

If a car travels 60 km north and then 40 km south, what is the distance and displacement?

Back

Distance: 100 km; Displacement: 20 km north.

Front

What is a reference point in motion?

Back

A reference point is a stationary object used to determine the position of another object.