Distance and Displacement - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

Edited By Vishal kumar | Updated on Nov 12, 2024 04:03 PM IST

In the study of motion, distance and displacement are fundamental concepts that describe how far an object moves, yet they differ significantly in their approach. Distance refers to the total length of the path an object travels, regardless of its direction while Displacement refers to the change in position of an object from its initial point to its final point in a specific direction. Let us understand the definition of Distance and Displacement, related formulas, unit and their differences.

JEE Main 2025: Physics Formula | Study Materials | High Scoring Topics | Preparation Guide

JEE Main 2025: Syllabus | Sample Papers | Mock Tests | PYQs | Study Plan 100 Days

NEET 2025: Syllabus | High Scoring Topics | PYQs

This Story also Contains

What is Distance?
What is Displacement?
Similarities of Distance and Displacement Difference
What is the Difference Between Distance and Displacement?

Distance and Displacement - Definition, Examples, Difference, FAQs

What is Distance?

Distance is a scalar number, which indicates that the distance between two objects is independent of their motion direction. The distance can never be 0 or negative, and it must always be greater than the object's displacement. The object's distance provides detailed information about the path it has taken.

DISTANCE DISPLACEMENT

For example, If an object is moving from point O to Q then the path length will be equal to distance $OQ=240 \mathrm{~m}$.

Distance

The distance is a scalar quantity. It has only magnitude and no direction.

Also, check-

What is Displacement?

Displacement d, also called length or distance, is a one-dimensional quantity representing the separation between two defined points.

For example, if A particle is moving from point P to O then the displacement of the particle is given by:

Displacement $(S)=$ position of point $O-$ Position of point $P=0-360=-360 \mathrm{~m}$
The negative sign shows the direction of the displacement.

Similarities of Distance and Displacement Difference

There are some parallels between distance and displacement difference that you should be aware of-

The difference in distance and displacement units is the same in S.I. units, namely meters (m).
Both measurements necessitate the use of a reference point.
If the motion of the object is in a straight line and in a single direction, they are equal.
Both distance and displacement have the same dimensions.

JEE Main Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics

Just Study 40% Syllabus and Score upto 100%

Download E-book

Related Topics

What is the Difference Between Distance and Displacement?

Here is the difference between Distance and Displacement. These are scalar and vector quantities respectively

Sl. No.	Different properties	Distance	Displacement
1.	Definition	The distance between any two points is the total length of the path.	The direct length between any two points measured along the shortest path between them is called displacement.
2.	Denotation	d	s
3.	Direction Consideration	The direction is ignored when calculating distance.	The direction is taken into account when calculating displacement.
4.	Quantity	The magnitude, not the direction, determines the value of a scalar quantity.	Because it depends on both magnitude and direction, displacement is a vector quantity.
5.	Route Information	The term "distance" refers to the specific route information used when travelling from one location to another.	Because displacement only refers to the quickest way, it does not provide entire route information.
6.	Formula	speed × time	velocity × time
7.	Possible values	Only positive numbers can be used in the distance.	Positive, negative, or even zero displacement is possible.
8.	Measurement in non-straight path	A non-straight path can be used to calculate the distance.	Only a straight road may be used to quantify displacement.
9.	Indication	An arrow does not represent distance.	An arrow is always used to denote displacement.
10.	Path dependence	The distance is determined by the path followed, and it varies depending on the way taken.	Displacement is independent of the path and solely depends on the body's initial and ending positions.

These are the key distinctions between distance and displacement difference that can aid in making a clear distinction between the two. These differences in distance and displacement, presented in tabular form, can help students remember the ideas more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is distance?

The term "distance" refers to "how much ground an object has covered" during its travel.

2. What are the similarities between distance and displacement?

The units of displacement and distance which are both same that is meters in standard unit. They both requires reference point in order to measure from initial point.

3. What is the SI unit of measurement for distance?

The metre is the SI unit of measurement for distance.

4. What are the SI units of measurement for displacement?

The metre is the SI unit of displacement.

5. What are the CGS distance units?

CGS units of measurement are centimetres.