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Study Guide - Distance and Displacement

This study guide explains the concepts of distance and displacement, highlighting that distance is a scalar quantity representing the total path length, while displacement is a vector indicating the change in position. Key formulas for calculating both distance and displacement are provided, along with examples and analogies for better understanding. The guide also emphasizes the importance of direction in displacement and offers tips for mastering these concepts.

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12 views3 pages

Study Guide - Distance and Displacement

This study guide explains the concepts of distance and displacement, highlighting that distance is a scalar quantity representing the total path length, while displacement is a vector indicating the change in position. Key formulas for calculating both distance and displacement are provided, along with examples and analogies for better understanding. The guide also emphasizes the importance of direction in displacement and offers tips for mastering these concepts.

Uploaded by

justinjakerivera17
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Study Guide: Distance and Displacement

📌 Key Definitions
Term Definition

Distance The total length of the path traveled by an object.

Displaceme The change in position of an object from its starting point to its
nt endpoint (a vector).

📐 Distance vs. Displacement


Feature Distance Displacement

Vector (has magnitude and


Type Scalar (has magnitude only)
direction)

Can be positive, negative, or


Value Always positive or zero
zero

Path Depends on the actual path Only depends on the initial


Dependence taken and final positions

Walking 5 m east, then 5 m displacement = 0 m (back to


Example
west → distance = 10 m starting point)

🧭 Vector and Scalar Quantities

 Scalar: Only magnitude (e.g., distance, speed, mass, time)


 Vector: Magnitude + direction (e.g., displacement, velocity, force)
📌 Formulas

 Distance:
Total Distance=sum of all path lengths\text{Total Distance} = \text{sum of all path
lengths}
 Displacement (1D):
Δx=xfinal−xinitial\Delta x = x_{\text{final}} - x_{\text{initial}}
 Displacement (with direction in 2D or more):
Use Pythagorean theorem:

Δr=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2\Delta r = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

🧠 Conceptual Examples
Example 1:

A person walks 3 m east, then 4 m west.

 Distance: 3+4=73 + 4 = 7 m
 Displacement: 3−4=−13 - 4 = -1 m → 1 m west

Example 2:

A person walks in a circle and ends at the starting point.

 Distance: Circumference =2πr= 2\pi r


 Displacement: 0 (because start = end point)

📉 Graphical Understanding
Position vs. Time Graph:

 Slope = Velocity
 A flat line → no movement
 Displacement is the difference in vertical position (not the path)

🔎 Real-Life Analogy

Imagine you’re walking around a football field:


 Distance is like counting all the steps you take.
 Displacement is the straight line from where you started to where you ended.

🧰 Tips for Mastery

 Use diagrams to visualize motion.


 Keep track of direction in displacement problems.
 Remember: displacement can be zero even if distance is not!
 Practice with both straight-line and 2D problems.

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