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Distance vs Displacement

Mr. Cashen・9 minutes read

Distance is the total travel of an object, path-dependent, while displacement is path-independent, focusing on the straight line between two points. Practical examples show the difference between the two concepts, with displacement including direction and distance being scalar.

Insights

  • Displacement in physics refers to the shortest path between two points, incorporating direction and being crucial for vectors.
  • Distance, on the other hand, represents the total travel of an object, being path-dependent and scalar in nature, distinct from displacement.

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Recent questions

  • What is the difference between distance and displacement?

    Distance is the total travel of an object, while displacement is the straight-line distance between two points.

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Summary

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Understanding Distance vs Displacement in Physics

  • The goal is to understand the difference between distance and displacement, crucial in physics.
  • Every object has a position in the universe, with coordinates assigned in a frame of reference.
  • Distance is the total travel of an object, path-dependent, while displacement is path-independent, focusing on the straight line between two points.
  • Displacement includes direction, crucial for vectors, while distance is scalar.
  • Practical example: A car traveling straight covers a distance of 1000 meters, with a displacement of 1000 meters.
  • Another example: A baseball runner covering 360 feet from base to base has a displacement of zero, ending where they started.
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