Distance and Displacement

Front

What is distance?

Back

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

Front

What is displacement?

Back

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

Front

How is distance measured?

Back

Distance is measured in units such as meters, kilometers, or miles.

Front

How is displacement measured?

Back

Displacement is also measured in units such as meters, kilometers, or miles, but it includes direction.

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

If an object moves in a circle and returns to its starting point, what is the distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the circumference of the circle; displacement is 0 meters.

Front

What is a scalar quantity?

Back

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

Front

What is a vector quantity?

Back

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

Front

If a person walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters west, what is the total distance and displacement?

Back

Total distance is 7 meters; displacement is 1 meter west.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final position - Initial position.