Position, Path Length & Displacement - Free MCQ Practice Test with solutions,

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.

The distance travelled by an object is always equal to or greater than the magnitude of its displacement because:

• Displacement is the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions.
• Distance is the total path length taken by the object.

Therefore, the relationship can be expressed as:

Distance ≥ |Displacement|

When a particle returns to it's initial position, Initial and final positions will be same therefore net displacement of the particle is zero. Hence the given statement is false.

Displacement in first eight steps = (5 - 3) m = 2 m

Time taken for first eight steps = 8 s

Time taken by the drunkard to cover first 6 m of journey = 8/2 * 6 = 24 s

If the drunkard takes 5 steps more, he will fall into the pit. So the time taken by the drunkard to cover last five steps = 5 s

Total time taken = 24 s + 5 s = 29 s