Differentiate distance and displacement?
Answers
Sl. No.
Differentiating Property
Distance
Displacement
1 -Definition
The complete length of the path between any two points is called distance.
Displacement is the direct length between any two points when measured along the minimum path between them.
2- Denotation
d
s
3 -Direction Consideration
To calculate distance, direction is not considered.
To calculate displacement, direction is taken into consideration.
4 -Quantity
Distance is a scalar quantity as it only depends upon the magnitude and not the direction.
Displacement is a vector quantity as it depends upon both magnitude and direction.
5 -Route Information
Distance gives the detailed route information that is followed while traveling from one point to another.
As displacement refers to the shortest path, it does not give complete information of the route.
6 -Formula
Speed × Time
Velocity × Time
7 - Possible Values
Distance can only have positive values.
Displacement can be positive, negative and even zero.
8 -Indication
Distance is not indicated with an arrow.
Displacement is always indicated with an arrow.
9 -Measurement in Non-straight Path
Distance can be measured along a non-straight path.
Displacement can only be measured along a straight path.
10- Path Dependence
Distance depends upon the path i.e. it changes according to the path taken.
Displacement does not depend upon the path and it only depends upon the initial and final position of the body.
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1) Distance refers to the amount of space between two points, measured along the actual path, linking them.
2)it is the length of the total avenue traversed by the body.
3)it is a Scalar quantity
4)Gives complete information of the route followed by the body.
5)Distance can never decrease with time.
6)Values positive always
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1) Displacement refers to the amount of
space between the two points, measured along the minimum path linking them
2)Least distance between starting and ending point.
3)it is a Vector quantity
4)it Does not give complete information of the route followed by the body.Time
5)Displacement can decrease with time.
6)values_Positive, Negative or zero.