Distance/Displacement and Speed/Velocity

Front

What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the shortest straight line from the starting point to the endpoint, including direction.

Front

Define speed.

Back

Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance, calculated as distance divided by time.

Front

Define velocity.

Back

Velocity is the rate at which an object changes its position, calculated as displacement divided by time, and includes direction.

Front

What is the formula for calculating speed?

Back

Speed = Distance / Time.

Front

What is the formula for calculating velocity?

Back

Velocity = Displacement / Time.

Front

If a car travels 100 km in 2 hours, what is its speed?

Back

Speed = 100 km / 2 hr = 50 km/hr.

Front

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

Back

Displacement = 4 km east - 3 km west = 1 km east.

Front

Can distance be zero?

Back

No, distance cannot be zero unless the object does not move at all.

Front

Can displacement be zero?

Back

Yes, displacement can be zero if the starting and ending points are the same.

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

A scalar quantity has only magnitude and no direction, e.g., distance and speed.