Which of the following statements is incorrect?a)Path length is a scal...
In one dimensional motion, the path length and magnitude of displacement are equal only if the object does not change its direction during the course of motion. In all other cases, the path length is greater than the magnitude of displacement.
View all questions of this test
Which of the following statements is incorrect?a)Path length is a scal...
Explanation:
Displacement and path length are two important concepts in physics. Displacement is a vector quantity, whereas path length is a scalar quantity. The following statements explain the differences between displacement and path length.
Displacement:
- Displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final positions of an object.
- Displacement is a vector quantity, and it has both magnitude and direction.
- Displacement can be positive, negative, or zero.
- Displacement is represented by a vector arrow with its tail at the initial position and its head at the final position.
Path Length:
- Path length is the total distance traveled by an object from the initial position to the final position.
- Path length is a scalar quantity, and it has only magnitude.
- Path length is always positive.
- Path length depends on the actual path followed by the object.
Incorrect Statement:
The statement "The magnitude of displacement is always equal to the path length traversed by an object over a given time interval" is incorrect. The magnitude of displacement can be less than, equal to, or greater than the path length depending on the path followed by the object.
For example, if an object moves in a straight line from point A to point B and then back to point A, its displacement is zero, but its path length is twice the distance between A and B. On the other hand, if an object moves in a circular path from point A to point B and then back to point A, its displacement is zero, but its path length is greater than the distance between A and B.
Conclusion:
Displacement and path length are two important concepts in physics, and they have different definitions and properties. While displacement is a vector quantity, path length is a scalar quantity. The magnitude of displacement can be less than, equal to, or greater than the path length depending on the path followed by the object.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.