difference between distance and displacement?

Question

Answer

Difference between Distance and Displacement

Distance

Distance is the length of the path travelled by an object. It is a scalar quantity as it only has magnitude and no direction. Distance can be calculated by using the formula:

Distance = Speed × Time

For example, if a person travels 10 km in 2 hours, then the distance travelled by the person is 10 km.

Displacement

Displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final position of an object. It is a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction. Displacement can be calculated by using the formula:

Displacement = Final Position − Initial Position

For example, if a person travels 10 km to the east and then 5 km to the west, then the displacement of the person is 5 km to the east.

Key Differences

Distance is the length of the path travelled by an object, whereas displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final position of an object.

Distance is a scalar quantity, whereas displacement is a vector quantity.

Distance can never be negative, whereas displacement can be negative if the object moves in the opposite direction of the initial position.

The SI unit of distance is metre (m), whereas the SI unit of displacement is also metre (m).

Importance of Understanding Distance and Displacement

Understanding the difference between distance and displacement is important in physics as it helps in determining the motion of an object. It helps in calculating the velocity, acceleration and other physical quantities related to motion. It also helps in understanding the concept of speed and direction of an object.

Conclusion

Distance and displacement are two important concepts in physics. While distance is the length of the path travelled by an object, displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final position of an object. Understanding the difference between distance and displacement is important in physics as it helps in determining the motion of an object and calculating other physical quantities related to motion.

Answer

Difference between distance and displacement. Distance travelled is a scalar quantity while displacement is a vector quantity. When a body continuously moves in the same straight line and in the same direction then displacement will be equal to the distance travelled.

Answer

Distance is length of path followed by a body b/w its initial and final position . It is a positive quantity. It does not have direction.                        WHILEDisplacement is shortest path covered by a body b/w its initial and final position. It can be-ve or 0. It has direction.

Answer

Displacement is always less than or equal to distance.
displacement will zero but distance will not.
The shortest path between V and U is displacement

Answer

Distance :1.The real path travelled by an object.2.it is a scaler quantity 3.ditance b/w the two points may be infinite. 4. it is not equal to zero.displacement :1.The shortest distance trabelled by an object b/w initial and final position.2.it is a vector quantity.3.there is only one displacement b/w two points.4.it can be equal to zero.

Answer

Distance is the length of actual path covered by a body and is a scalar quantity . displacement is the shortest path covered by a body and is a vector quantity

Answer

the total length travelled by a person is called distance while the difference b/w the intial and final point is displacement

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