Distance vs. Displacement

Definition
- Distance: Distance is the total length of the path covered by an object in motion.
- Displacement: Displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial point to the final point in a straight line.

Vector vs. Scalar
- Distance: Distance is a scalar quantity as it only involves magnitude.
- Displacement: Displacement is a vector quantity as it includes both magnitude and direction.

Path Traveled
- Distance: Distance considers the entire path traveled by an object, regardless of its direction.
- Displacement: Displacement only takes into account the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions.

Positive and Negative Values
- Distance: Distance can only have positive values as it is a scalar quantity.
- Displacement: Displacement can have positive, negative, or zero values depending on the direction of motion.

Representation
- Distance: Distance is represented by the magnitude of the total path traveled, usually in units like meters or kilometers.
- Displacement: Displacement is represented by a vector quantity with both magnitude and direction, often using an arrow to indicate the direction.
In conclusion, distance and displacement are related concepts in physics that describe the motion of objects. While distance refers to the total length of the path traveled without considering direction, displacement represents the change in position from the initial point to the final point in a straight line. Understanding the difference between distance and displacement is crucial in accurately analyzing the motion of objects in various scenarios.