Distance and Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of displacement?

Back

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

Front

If David walks 3 km north and then 4 km east, what is the total distance he has walked?

Back

7 km

Front

What is a reference point in motion?

Back

A reference point is a stationary object or location used to determine the position of a moving object.

Front

How do distance and displacement differ?

Back

Distance is a scalar quantity (only magnitude), while displacement is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction).

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement in a straight line?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

If a runner completes a lap around a track, what is the distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is the length of the lap; displacement is zero if the runner returns to the starting point.

Front

What is the significance of the starting line in a race?

Back

The starting line serves as a reference point to measure the runner's displacement.

Front

Can distance ever be less than displacement?

Back

No, distance is always equal to or greater than displacement.

Front

What happens to displacement if an object returns to its starting point?

Back

The displacement is zero, even though distance may be greater than zero.