Question

A particle starts from the origin , goes along the X axis to the point (20m.0) and then returns along the same line to the point (-20m,0). A) Find the distance and Displacement of the particle during the trip. Concept of Physics - 1 , HC VERMA , Chapter "Rest and Motion : Kinematics

Answer 1

Solution  :

Let O be the origin from where the particle starts the journey.

Distance travelled:
Distance in forward direction = 20m
Distance in bakward direction upto origin + origin to further backward =20+20=40m
So total distance travelled = 20+40=60m

Displacement is the shortest path between source and destination =Origin to point(-20m,0)
Displacement= -20m 
or 20m in negative direction.