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Example: Displacement vs Distance Traveled
Displacement and distance traveled are two different concepts in physics. Displacement refers to the change in position of an object, while distance traveled is the total length of the path taken by the object. It is important to understand that even if an object travels along different paths, its displacement remains the same as long as it moves between the same two points.
Illustration
For example, imagine a person walking from point A to point B. If the person takes a straight path from A to B, the displacement would be the straight line distance between the two points. However, if the person takes a more roundabout path, the distance traveled would be longer, but the displacement would still be the same - the straight line distance between A and B.
Explanation
This is because displacement is a vector quantity that only considers the change in position, while distance traveled is a scalar quantity that takes into account the total path length. In the case of the person walking from point A to point B, the displacement would be the same regardless of the path taken because it only depends on the initial and final positions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when an object moves between two points along different paths, its displacement remains the same for all parts, even though the distance covered may vary. This concept is crucial in understanding the difference between displacement and distance traveled in physics.
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