Distance & Displacement
Definition:
Simplified definition:
Distance: scalar quantity representing the interval between two points.
Displacement: distance between the initial point and final point of an object.
General Info:
Distance is a scalar quantity representing the interval between two points. It is just the magnitude of the interval. However, Displacement is a vector quantity and can be defined by using distance concept. It can be defined as distance between the initial point and final point of an object. It must be the shortest interval connecting the initial and final points, that is a straight line.
Distance
Displacement
PRACTICE QUESTIONS:
1. What is the displacement of the swimmer team if they begin at the starting point, swim 5 miles and finish back at its starting point?
2. True or False? Displacement is a vector quantity having both magnitude and direction.
3. True or False? Distance is just the magnitude of the interval.
4. What is the distance and the displacement of the race car drivers in the Indy 500?
answers:
1. Zero miles
2. True
3. True
4.Zero miles