Distance vs. Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of displacement?

Back

Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the shortest distance from the initial to the final position of an object, including direction.

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

A scalar quantity is a physical quantity that has only magnitude and no direction, such as distance or mass.

Front

What is a vector quantity?

Back

A vector quantity is a physical quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as displacement or velocity.

Front

If Jerry walked 2 km east and then 2 km west, what is his displacement?

Back

0 km (displacement is zero because he ends up at the starting point).

Front

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

Back

5 km northeast (using the Pythagorean theorem: √(3² + 4²) = 5).

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

How does distance differ from displacement?

Back

Distance measures the total path length traveled, while displacement measures the shortest straight-line distance between the starting and ending points.

Front

What is the displacement of a cross-country skier who moves 10 meters east, 14 meters west, and then 6 meters east?

Back

2 meters east (net movement: 10 - 14 + 6 = 2 meters east).

Front

If a man walks 5 miles forward, 6 miles backward, and then 2 miles forward, what is his displacement?

Back

1 mile forward (net movement: 5 - 6 + 2 = 1 mile forward).