Distance vs. Displacement

Front

What is displacement?

Back

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

Front

What is distance?

Back

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

Front

How is displacement different from distance?

Back

Displacement includes direction, while distance does not.

Front

Can displacement be zero?

Back

Yes, displacement can be zero if the object returns to its starting point.

Front

What unit is distance typically measured in?

Back

Distance is typically measured in meters (m) or kilometers (km).

Front

What unit is displacement typically measured in?

Back

Displacement is also typically measured in meters (m) or kilometers (km).

Front

If a person walks 10 m east and then 10 m west, what is their displacement?

Back

The displacement is 0 m, as they end up at the starting point.

Front

If a person walks 5 miles forward, 6 miles backward, and then 2 miles forward, what is their total distance traveled?

Back

The total distance traveled is 13 miles.

Front

What is the formula for calculating displacement?

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

What does it mean if displacement is positive?

Back

A positive displacement indicates movement in the defined positive direction (e.g., east or north).