Distance vs Displacement

Distance:
Distance is defined as the total length covered by an object during its motion. It is the scalar quantity that measures the length of the path followed by the object in a particular direction. Distance is always a positive value. It is measured in units of meters (m), kilometers (km), centimeters (cm), etc.

Displacement:
Displacement is defined as the change in position of an object from its initial position to the final position in a particular direction. It is the shortest distance between the initial and final points. Displacement is a vector quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It can be positive, negative or zero. Displacement is measured in units of meters (m), kilometers (km), centimeters (cm), etc.

Difference between distance and displacement:

1. Definition: Distance is the length covered by an object during its motion, whereas displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial position to the final position in a particular direction.

2. Scalar and Vector: Distance is a scalar quantity, whereas displacement is a vector quantity.

3. Positive or Negative: Distance is always positive, whereas displacement can be positive, negative or zero.

4. Path: Distance depends on the path followed by the object, whereas displacement depends on the initial and final position of the object.

5. Units: Distance and displacement are measured in units of meters (m), kilometers (km), centimeters (cm), etc.

6. Example: For example, a person walks 5 km to the east and then returns 3 km to the west. The total distance covered by the person is 8 km, whereas the displacement is 2 km towards the east.

In conclusion, distance is the total length covered by an object during its motion, whereas displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial position to the final position in a particular direction. Distance is a scalar quantity, whereas displacement is a vector quantity. Displacement can be positive, negative or zero, whereas distance is always positive.

Distance is a scalar quantity that refers to "how much ground an object has covered" during its motion. Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to "how far out of place an object is"; it is the object's overall change in position.