5.4.1 Distance & Displacement

• What is the definition of distance?

  Distance is a scalar quantity that represents the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction.
• How is distance characterized in terms of a walking example?

  If you walk 5 meters east and then 3 meters west, the total distance traveled is 8 meters.
• What type of quantity is distance?

  Distance is a scalar quantity.
• Why is distance considered path-dependent?

  The distance traveled depends on the actual path taken.
• Can distance be negative?

  No, distance cannot be negative as it represents the total path length.
• What is the definition of displacement?

  Displacement is a vector quantity that represents the change in position of an object.
• How is displacement characterized in terms of a walking example?

  If you walk 5 meters east and then 3 meters west, your final displacement is 2 meters east.
• What type of quantity is displacement?

  Displacement is a vector quantity.
• Why is displacement considered path-independent?

  Only the initial and final positions matter, not the path taken.
• Can displacement be zero?

  Yes, if the starting point and ending point are the same, displacement is zero.
• How do you calculate distance?

  Simply add up all the lengths of the segments of the path traveled.
• How do you calculate displacement for straight-line motion?

  Displacement = Final Position - Initial Position.
• How do you calculate displacement for multi-segment paths?

  Use vector addition to find the net displacement, and the Pythagorean theorem for right-angle triangles.
• If an object moves 4 meters north and then 3 meters east, how do you calculate the displacement?

  Use the Pythagorean theorem: Displacement = √(4² + 3²) = 5 meters.
• How can the direction of displacement be found in a right-angle triangle scenario?

  The direction can be found using trigonometry.
• What does a distance-time graph represent?

  • The slope represents speed (distance/time).
  • A straight line indicates constant speed.
  • A curve indicates changing speed.
• What does a displacement-time graph represent?

  • The slope represents velocity (displacement/time).
  • A straight line indicates constant velocity.
  • A curve indicates changing velocity.
• In a driving example, if you drive 50 kilometers from home and then 30 kilometers back, what is the total distance and displacement?

  The total distance is 80 kilometers, and the displacement is zero if you return to the starting point.
• In a running example, if you run in a loop of 400 meters, what are the distance and displacement?

  The distance is 400 meters, and the displacement is zero because you end up where you started.
• What are the key characteristics of distance?

  • Scalar quantity
  • Total path length
  • Always positive
• What are the key characteristics of displacement?

  • Vector quantity
  • Straight-line distance between start and end points
  • Can be positive, negative, or zero