Distance vs. Displacement

Front

What is a single point or a stationary spot that an object's distance can be measured to; it can also be the starting point?

Back

Reference Point

Front

A ping-pong ball rolls forward 6 meters, and bounces backward 3 meters. What is the total distance traveled?

Back

9 meters

Front

What is the unit for distance?

Back

m

Front

When Sara walks from Point A to Point B, what can be said about distance and displacement?

Back

Distance and displacement are EQUAL.

Front

A man walks 5 miles forwards, 6 miles backwards and then 2 miles forwards. What is his displacement?

Back

1 mile forward.

Front

Define distance in the context of motion.

Back

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

Front

Define displacement in the context of motion.

Back

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

Front

If an object moves in a circular path and returns to its starting point, what is its displacement?

Back

0 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

If a car travels 100 km north and then 100 km south, what is the total distance and displacement?

Back

Total distance is 200 km; displacement is 0 km.