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 distance from the initial to the final position of an object, along with the direction.

Front

If Jermaine runs 2 laps around a 400 meter track, what is his displacement?

Back

0 meters, because he ends up at the starting point.

Front

If Bill runs 400 meters to Andy's house and then back home, what is his displacement?

Back

0 meters, because he returns to his starting point.

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

What is a reference point in motion?

Back

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

Front

What happens to displacement after a complete round trip?

Back

The displacement is zero, as the starting and ending points are the same.

Front

Calculate the distance if Sara walks from A to B (3m), B to C (5m), and C to D (3m). What is the total distance?

Back

11 meters.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

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

Back

Walking in a circle: the distance traveled is the circumference, but the displacement is zero.