Distance vs Displacement

Distance vs Displacement

Distance (d) – how far an object travels

Displacement (Δx) – shortest path between point

A (initial) and point B (final)

Multiple Choice

Bill runs 400 meters to Andy's house, turns around, and runs 400 meters back home.  What is Bill's distance?

• 0 meters

• 400 meters

• 800 meters

• 1600 meters

Multiple Choice

Bill runs 400 meters to Andy's house, turns around, and runs 400 meters back home.  What is Bill's displacement?

• 0 meters

• 400 meters

• 800 meters

• 1600 meters

Multiple Choice

Sara walks from Point A to Point B. Which is true?

• Distance and displacement are EQUAL

• Distance is less than displacement

Multiple Choice

Find the distance Sara walks from A to B,  B to C then C to D?

• 11m

• 3m

• 5m

Multiple Choice

Find the displacement of Sara when she walks from A to B,  B to C then C to D?

• 11m

• 3m

• 5m