Distance And Displacement Flashcards
What is the definition of distance?
Distance is the total path length traveled by an object, regardless of direction.
What is the definition of displacement?
Displacement is the shortest straight line distance from the initial position to the final position of an object, along with the direction.
True or False: Distance can be negative.
False
True or False: Displacement can be negative.
True
Fill in the blank: Displacement is a __________ quantity.
vector
Fill in the blank: Distance is a __________ quantity.
scalar
What is the formula for calculating displacement?
Displacement = final position - initial position
If a person walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters west, what is their distance traveled?
7 meters
If a person walks 3 meters east and then 4 meters west, what is their displacement?
-1 meter (1 meter west)
Which of the following represents distance: A) 5 km east B) 5 km C) 5 km north?
B) 5 km
What is the SI unit of distance?
Meter (m)
What is the SI unit of displacement?
Meter (m)
Calculate the displacement if a car travels 10 km north and then 10 km south.
0 km
If an object moves in a circular path and returns to its starting point, what is the displacement?
0 meters
True or False: The distance traveled can be equal to the displacement.
True
What is the maximum value of displacement in relation to distance?
Displacement can never be greater than distance.
If a runner completes a lap around a track and ends up at the starting point, what is their distance and displacement?
Distance: total length of the lap; Displacement: 0 meters
In a straight line, what is the relationship between distance and displacement?
They are equal.
What does a displacement-time graph represent?
It shows how displacement changes over time.
What does a horizontal line on a displacement-time graph indicate?
The object is at rest.
What type of quantity is distance?
Scalar quantity
What type of quantity is displacement?
Vector quantity
If a cyclist travels 5 km east, then 5 km south, what is their overall displacement?
Approximately 7.07 km southeast
What is the relationship between distance and the path taken?
Distance depends on the path taken; displacement does not.
How can displacement be represented graphically?
As a straight line vector from the start point to the end point.
