Distance and Displacement Problems

Front

What is the definition of distance in physics?

Back

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

Front

What is the definition of displacement in physics?

Back

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

Front

If Billy runs 400 meters to Andy's house and back, what is his total distance traveled?

Back

800 meters.

Front

If Billy runs 400 meters to Andy's house and back, what is his displacement?

Back

0 meters.

Front

What is the formula to calculate total distance traveled?

Back

Total distance = sum of all segments of the path traveled.

Front

What is the formula to calculate displacement?

Back

Displacement = final position - initial position.

Front

In the context of Jerry walking from home to school and then to the park, how is total displacement calculated?

Back

Total displacement is the straight-line distance from home to the park.

Front

If a ping-pong ball rolls forward 6 meters and bounces back 3 meters, what is the total distance traveled?

Back

9 meters.

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

How does direction affect displacement?

Back

Displacement takes into account the direction of movement, while distance does not.