Distance & Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity that represents 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 represents the shortest straight-line distance from the initial position to the final position of an object, along with the direction.

Front

How do distance and displacement differ?

Back

Distance measures the total path length, while displacement measures the shortest path between two points, considering direction.

Front

If a person walks in a circle and returns to the starting point, what is their displacement?

Back

The displacement is zero, as the initial and final positions are the same.

Front

What happens to displacement when an object moves back to its starting point?

Back

The displacement becomes zero, even if the distance traveled is not zero.

Front

If Sara walks 5 km east and then 5 km west, what is her distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is 10 km, but displacement is 0 km.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement in a straight line?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

In a coordinate system, how is displacement represented?

Back

Displacement is represented as a vector with both magnitude and direction, often shown as an arrow.

Front

What is the significance of the reference point in measuring displacement?

Back

The reference point is the starting point from which displacement is measured; it determines the direction and magnitude of displacement.

Front

If a car travels 100 meters north and then 100 meters south, what is its total distance and displacement?

Back

Total distance is 200 meters; displacement is 0 meters.