You run 2 blocks away, turn around and run 2 blocks back home.

● What is your distance?

● What is your displacement?

1 answer

Let's break this down:

  1. Distance: Distance is the total length of the path taken, regardless of direction. In this case, you run 2 blocks away from home and then 2 blocks back.

    • Distance to run away: 2 blocks
    • Distance to run back: 2 blocks

    Total distance = 2 blocks + 2 blocks = 4 blocks.

  2. Displacement: Displacement is the straight line distance from the starting point (home) to the ending point, along with its direction. Since you end up back at home after running 2 blocks away and then returning, your displacement is 0 blocks.

    • Displacement = final position - initial position = home - home = 0 blocks.

Summary:

  • Distance: 4 blocks
  • Displacement: 0 blocks