Understanding Motion: Distance and 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 distance from the initial to the final position of an object, including direction.

Front

Which quantity is a vector: Distance or Displacement?

Back

Displacement is a vector quantity.

Front

What is the difference between a vector and a scalar?

Back

A vector has both magnitude and direction, while a scalar has only magnitude.

Front

If a car travels 6 km north and then 8 km east, what is the total distance traveled?

Back

14 km

Front

If a cyclist rides 10 km east and then 4 km west, what is their displacement?

Back

6 km east

Front

What is the total distance traveled by a boat that goes 15 km south and then 20 km east?

Back

35 km

Front

How do you calculate total distance traveled?

Back

Total distance is calculated by adding all the lengths of the paths taken, regardless of direction.

Front

How do you calculate displacement?

Back

Displacement is calculated by finding the straight-line distance from the starting point to the ending point, including direction.

Front

What is an example of a scalar quantity?

Back

Speed is an example of a scalar quantity.