Distance/Displacement Practice (S22)

Front

What is the definition of DISTANCE in physics?

Back

Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Front

What is the definition of DISPLACEMENT in physics?

Back

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

Front

If an object travels 5 miles north and then 3 miles west, what is the total DISTANCE traveled?

Back

8 miles.

Front

If an object travels 5 miles north and then 3 miles west, what is the DISPLACEMENT?

Back

The displacement can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: √(5² + 3²) = √34 ≈ 5.83 miles.

Front

What should you do when displacements are in opposite directions?

Back

Subtract the magnitudes of the displacements.

Front

What should you do when displacements are in the same direction?

Back

Add the magnitudes of the displacements.

Front

If a person walks 3 km north and then 4 km east, what is the DISTANCE traveled?

Back

7 km.

Front

If a person walks 3 km north and then 4 km east, what is the DISPLACEMENT?

Back

The displacement can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: √(3² + 4²) = 5 km.

Front

What is the formula for calculating DISPLACEMENT when given two points?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

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).