Question

define distance covered by a particle in a given time? is it equal to displacement?

Answer 1

No, not necessary because displacement is the shortest path to reach the destination

Assume a right angled triangle abc where ab is perpendicular, bc is base and ac is hypotenuse so if you have to travel from point a to point c we have two ways, either an and then bc or directly ac. Path of ac will be shorter and so the distance will not be equal to displacement.

Note: distance can also be equal to displacement in some cases.