Distance vs. Displacement in Physics

What is the unit used for measuring distance?

• Kilometers

• Centimeters

• Meters

• Inches

Which variable is used to represent displacement in IB physics?

• D

• S

• A

• V

If a person walks 3 meters up, 3 meters to the right, and 3 meters down, what is their total distance traveled?

• 3 meters

• 9 meters

• 6 meters

• 12 meters

In the same scenario, what is the displacement of the person?

• 3 meters to the right

• 9 meters to the right

• 0 meters

• 6 meters to the right

How do you calculate displacement in a right triangle scenario?

• Using the volume formula

• Using the area formula

• Using the Pythagorean theorem

• Using the distance formula

If a person moves 3 meters up and 4 meters to the right, what is their displacement?

• 5 meters

• 4 meters

• 7 meters

• 3 meters

If a person moves 6 meters to the right, what is their displacement?

• 0 meters

• 3 meters

• 6 meters

• 9 meters

If a person moves forward 6 meters and then backward 6 meters, what is their displacement?

• 6 meters

• 12 meters

• 0 meters

• 18 meters

What does a negative displacement indicate?

• The object is moving in the positive direction

• The object is moving in the negative direction

• The object is stationary

• The object is moving in a circular path

Can distance ever be negative?

• Yes

• No

• Only in certain conditions

• Only if displacement is negative