Have you ever wondered about distance and displacement? Let me make it simple for you.
Distance tells you how far you have travelled, but displacement shows the shortest path between two points. They sound similar, right? But they are not the same, and knowing the difference matters.
Sit back, have a cup of tea, I will explain their meanings and differences clearly. By the end, you will understand both and how they work in real life. Let’s get started!
What is Distance?
“Distance is the total path covered by an object while moving, without considering direction.“
SI Unit of Distance,
The SI unit of distance is the metre (m).
formula for distance,
Distance = Speed × Time
What is Displacement?
“Displacement is the shortest distance between the starting and ending points, including direction.“
SI Unit of Displacement,
The SI unit of displacement is the metre (m).
formula for Displacement,
Displacement = Final Position – Initial Position
Distance Vs Displacement
| Aspect | Distance | Displacement |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Distance is the total path covered by an object during motion. | Displacement is the shortest straight-line distance between two points. |
| Type of Quantity | Scalar quantity (only magnitude). | Vector quantity (magnitude and direction). |
| Direction Considered | Does not consider direction, only measures how much ground is covered. | Considers direction from the starting point to the ending point. |
| Value | Always positive or zero. | Can be positive, negative, or zero depending on the direction of motion. |
| Measurement | Measured in metres (m) or other distance units, e.g., kilometres (km). | Measured in metres (m) or other units, with direction specified. |
| Path | Includes the entire path taken, even if it’s curved or long. | Includes only the shortest path between two points. |
| Formula | Distance = Speed × Time | Displacement = Final Position – Initial Position |
| Relation to Motion | Focuses on the “how much” aspect of motion. | Focuses on the “where” and “how far in which direction” aspect of motion. |
| Real-Life Example | If you walk around a 400-metre track, your distance is 400 metres. | Your displacement is zero if you return to the starting point. |
| Representation | Represented as a single number (e.g., 10 metres). | Represented with both magnitude and direction (e.g., 10 metres east). |
| Use in Physics | Used to measure the total movement of an object, regardless of direction. | Used to study motion involving specific direction and position changes. |
Example to understand Distance and Displacement:
Imagine you walk 3 metres north, then 4 metres east.
- Distance: Add all paths covered (3 + 4 = 7 metres).
- Displacement: Measure the shortest path (5 metres northeast, calculated using the Pythagoras theorem).
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