Class 8 Exam  >  Class 8 Questions  >  Difference between distance and displacement ... Start Learning for Free
Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?
Most Upvoted Answer
Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?
Community Answer
Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?
Distance and Displacement in Physics

Distance

Distance is the total length travelled by an object in a given time. It is a scalar quantity, which means it has only magnitude and no direction. The SI unit of distance is meter (m).


Displacement

Displacement is the change in position of an object from its initial position to final position in a given direction. It is a vector quantity which means it has both magnitude and direction. The SI unit of displacement is also meter (m).


Difference

The main difference between distance and displacement is that distance is the total length covered by an object irrespective of its direction, whereas displacement is the change in position of an object in a given direction.


For example, if a person walks 10 meters to the east and then returns back 10 meters to the west, then the distance covered by the person is 20 meters but the displacement is 0 meters as the person ends up at the same position where he/she started.


Another example is if a car travels 20 km to the north and then 10 km to the south, then the distance travelled by the car is 30 km but the displacement is 10 km to the north.


Conclusion

Therefore, distance and displacement are two different concepts in physics and it is important to understand the difference between them to accurately describe the motion of an object.
Attention Class 8 Students!
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 8 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 8.
Explore Courses for Class 8 exam

Top Courses for Class 8

Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?
Question Description
Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? for Class 8 2024 is part of Class 8 preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Class 8 exam syllabus. Information about Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? covers all topics & solutions for Class 8 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?.
Solutions for Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Class 8. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Class 8 Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Difference between distance and displacement in Physics?, a detailed solution for Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? has been provided alongside types of Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Difference between distance and displacement in Physics? tests, examples and also practice Class 8 tests.
Explore Courses for Class 8 exam

Top Courses for Class 8

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev