Distance vs 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 straight-line distance from the initial position to the final position of an object, along with the direction.

Front

When are distance and displacement equal?

Back

Distance and displacement are equal when an object moves in a straight line in one direction without reversing.

Front

If an object moves 100 meters north and then 100 meters south, what is its distance and displacement?

Back

Distance is 200 meters; displacement is 0 meters.

Front

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

Back

The displacement is zero because the initial and final positions are the same.

Front

If Sara walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters north, what is her displacement?

Back

Her displacement is 5 meters (using the Pythagorean theorem: √(3² + 4²)).

Front

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

Back

Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.

Front

How does direction affect distance and displacement?

Back

Distance does not consider direction, while displacement is direction-sensitive.

Front

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

Back

His displacement is 0 meters because he ends up at his starting point.

Front

What is the significance of direction in displacement?

Back

Direction is crucial in displacement as it indicates the shortest path from start to finish.