Distance vs. Displacement

Front

What is the definition of distance?

Back

Distance is the total movement of an object, regardless of direction, measured along the path traveled.

Front

What is the definition of displacement?

Back

Displacement is the change in position of an object, measured as the shortest straight line from the initial to the final position, including direction.

Front

If a runner completes a lap and returns to the starting point, what is their displacement?

Back

0 mi (zero displacement) because the initial and final positions are the same.

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

A person walks 3 miles east and then 4 miles west. What is their displacement?

Back

1 mile west (displacement is the net change in position).

Front

If a cyclist travels 10 miles north and then 10 miles south, what is their total distance traveled?

Back

20 miles (total distance is the sum of all movements).

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

In a straight line, if an object moves 5 miles forward and then 2 miles backward, what is the displacement?

Back

3 miles forward.

Front

What does it mean if distance and displacement are equal?

Back

It means the object moved in a straight line without changing direction.

Front

If a person walks in a circle and returns to the starting point, what is the distance and displacement?

Back

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