What is the difference between distance and displacement in physics

It is therefore also the shortest distance between two points. If the displacement vector is away from the reference point aka datum it is often defined as positive and if toward it is defined as negative. It is possible to have an average displacement equal to zero if the object starts and ends in the same position. Displacement is used in considerations of oscillations including waves. The reference point is the equilibrium position for the oscillator.

Displacements above the equilibrium if above is appropriate are positive and below the equilibrium are negative. What is the difference between distance and displacement? Physics 1D Motion Displacement and Velocity. Daniel W. For all the above, we can summarize the differences between distance and displacement as:. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Related Articles.

Conditions of equilibrium with examples June 6, Gravitation: Examples of gravitational force December 12, Wind Energy: Advantages and disadvantages of wind energy May 16, Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. By definition, Distance is nothing but the total path covered by a body during its motion.

One can also say that the distance is the actual length of a path taken by a body from one point to another. See the image below for proper understanding. Simply speaking, it tells us that how much of a path a body has covered during its motion.

And, since it is a scalar quantity, therefore, as a result, to calculate distance, there is no need to consider the direction of its motion. The S. I unit of distance is meter. Just because it is a scalar quantity, there is no need to indicate it with an arrow. By definition, Displacement is nothing but the shortest path covered by a body during its motion.

One can also say that displacement is the shortest length of a path taken by a body from one point to another. Simply speaking, it tells us that how far out of place a body is from its original position. And, since it is a vector quantity, therefore, as a result, to calculate displacement, the direction of the motion has to be considered.

I unite of displacement is meter. Just because it is a vector quantity, displacement is always indicated with an arrow. If you like this article, share it if you like, like it if you share it. You can also find us on Mix, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook. Hey man, If you have come this far, do give us feedback in the comment section.