Can you explain the difference between distance and displacement

Distance is a scalar which means it only has a length- it is the length of distance travelled along a pathDisplacement is a vector which means it has a direction and a length and is the total change in position from start to finishAn analogy would be that a person who walks a long a windy path may travel 1km in distance but the path wind in many direction so their total displacement is only 0.5km. The persons displacement is the distance and direction from the persons start to finish positions.Or a car travelling 1km north and 1km east the total distance is 2km but the displacement is 1.41km north east. This can be calculated using pythagoras theorem.

Answered by Emma H. Physics tutor

1939 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define the term ultrasound wave


What is the difference between reflection, refraction and diffraction?


What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?


What is the difference between alpha and gamma radiation?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences