Distance and Displacement: Key Concepts and Calculations

What is the main difference between distance and displacement?

• Distance includes direction, while displacement does not.

• Distance is always greater than displacement.

• Distance is the total ground covered, while displacement is the change in position.

• Distance is a vector quantity, and displacement is a scalar quantity.

Which of the following is true about scalar quantities?

• They are described by both magnitude and direction.

• They are only described by magnitude.

• They are always positive.

• They are always negative.

How is displacement different from distance?

• Displacement is always positive.

• Displacement is direction-aware.

• Displacement is the total ground covered.

• Displacement is a scalar quantity.

In the example of the man walking, what was his displacement?

• 16 meters

• 2 meters east

• 2 meters west

• 16 meters east

If Noah drives 3.2 km west and then 2.0 km east, what is his total distance traveled?

• 2.0 km

• 3.2 km

• 5.2 km

• 1.2 km

What is Noah's displacement if he drives 3.2 km west and then 2.0 km east?

• 1.2 km west

• 5.2 km

• 1.2 km east

• 3.2 km west

In the complex example, what is the total distance Noah drives?

• 1.4 km

• 3.6 km

• 6.0 km

• 1.0 km

What is the displacement for Noah's trip in the complex example?

• 3.6 km west

• 1.2 km east

• 1.2 km west

• 6.0 km

What is the first step in calculating distance and displacement for a back and forth trip?

• Add up all the distances.

• Define the positive and negative directions.

• Sketch a diagram.

• Translate the result into an actual direction.

When calculating displacement, what should you do after defining the positive and negative directions?

• Translate the result into an actual direction.

• Ignore all directional information.

• Add up the numbers with directional information.

• Sketch a diagram.