Definition
Distance is the total length of the path traveled by an object, no matter the direction.
Key Points:
It tells you how much ground an object has covered.
It is a scalar quantity (only has magnitude, no direction).
It is always positive or zero.
It depends on the path taken, not just the start and end points.
How is distance measured?
With tools like a ruler, measuring tape, or odometer in cars.
With units like meters, kilometers, or centimeters.
Sometimes with formulas, like:
Distance = Speed × Time
Where is distance used?
Travel – to know how far one place is from another
Sports – to measure race tracks, jumps, or throws
Maps and GPS – to plan routes and directions
Construction – to measure lengths, heights, and spaces
Science and Physics – to study motion and speed
Daily life – walking, running, driving, or even placing furniture
What is Displacement?
Displacement is the shortest straight-line distance from the starting point to the ending point, including direction.
How is Displacement Measured?
With tools like a ruler (for small displacements), or motion sensors and GPS (for larger movements)
With units like meters (m), kilometers (km), etc.
With formulas, like:
Displacement = Final position – Initial position
Where is Displacement Used?
Physics – to describe movement with direction
Navigation – to find the direct route from start to end
Engineering – to track how far parts move in a straight line
Sports science – to measure net movement from start to finish
Robotics and games – for precise directional movement
Key Points:
Shortest distance between starting and ending points
Has both magnitude and direction (vector quantity)
Can be positive, negative, or zero
Doesn’t depend on the path taken
Measured in meters (m) or other standard units
If you return to the starting point, displacement is zero
add videos if any....formulas,units everything okk.
Can displacement ever be greater than distance? Why or why not?
How do you calculate displacement if an object moves along a curved path?
Why is displacement a vector quantity but distance is a scalar?
In what scenarios are distance and displacement equal?
An object moves 3 meters east, then 4 meters north. What are its total distance traveled and displacement?
How do you find displacement if an object returns to its starting point after traveling some distance?
If a runner completes one lap around a 400m track, what are the runner’s distance and displacement?
A person walks 5 km north, then 2 km east. Calculate the resultant displacement.
How does displacement help in determining velocity and acceleration?
keywords
scalar quantity
Vector quantity
Magnitude
Direction
Resultant displacement
Path length
Straight-line distance
Position
Reference point
Motion
Displacement vector
Euclidean distance
Coordinates