Distance and displacement are both concepts used in physics to describe movement, but they have distinct meanings:
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Distance:
- Definition: Distance refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of the direction.
- Characteristics:
- It is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.
- It is always positive or zero.
- Distance can be measured along any path taken, and it does not account for the starting or ending points.
- Example: If a person walks 3 meters east, then 4 meters west, the total distance traveled is 7 meters.
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Displacement:
- Definition: Displacement refers to the change in position of an object from its initial point to its final point, taking into account the straight line distance and direction.
- Characteristics:
- It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
- Displacement can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the initial and final positions.
- It is the shortest straight-line distance between the starting and ending points.
- Example: Using the same scenario where a person walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters west, the initial position and final position result in a net movement of 1 meter west, making the displacement 1 meter west.
In summary, distance is concerned only with the amount of ground covered, while displacement accounts for the net change in position, including direction.