Distance and displacement

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 shortest straight-line distance from the initial position to the final position of an object, along with the direction.

Front

Are distance and displacement always equal?

Back

No, distance and displacement are not always equal; they are equal only when the path taken is a straight line.

Front

What is a vector quantity?

Back

A vector quantity has both magnitude and direction. Examples include displacement, velocity, and force.

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

A scalar quantity has only magnitude and no direction. Examples include distance, speed, and mass.

Front

If a person walks 3 miles east and then 4 miles west, what is their displacement?

Back

1 mile west.

Front

If a runner completes a lap around a track and returns to the starting point, what is their displacement?

Back

0 meters.

Front

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

Back

The displacement becomes zero.

Front

How do you calculate displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final position - Initial position.

Front

Is distance affected by the path taken?

Back

Yes, distance is affected by the path taken, while displacement is not.