Distance vs Displacement

Distance vs Displacement

Introduction to Kinetmatics (science of motion)

Distance

• Distance is the total length traveled by an object.

• This guy goes up 3m + right 5m + down 3m + left 5m

• Distance = 3m + 5m + 3m + 5m = 16m

Displacement

• Difference between start and finish

• In this example he starts at A and ends at A

• Because he hasn't gone anywhere his displacement is ZERO meters

Multiple Choice

If you walk 5 miles north, then 6 miles south, what is your distance traveled?

• 1

• 5

• 6

• 11

Multiple Choice

If you walk 5 miles north, then 6 miles south, what is your displacement?

• 1 south

• 5 north

• 6 south

• 11 east