What's the difference between distance and displacement

Distance is a scalar, meaning it only has a magnitude. Displacement is a vector, meaning that it has both magnitude and direction. For instance, distance can state that I am "x" metres away from a point, displacement would state that I am "x" metres away in a "y" direction. If you travel away from a point then return, you have travelled a non zero distance, but your displacement is zero as you have returned to your original position. 

EG
Answered by Emma G. Physics tutor

18270 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A mass of 2.5kg is raised by a height of 8m in 36 seconds using an electronic motor. Calculate the power of the motor.


What is the name given to waves where the oscillations are in the same direction as the wave energy?


A 10kg cube of iron with length 5cm is resting on a table surface. Assuming the acceleration under gravity of the block is 9.81ms^(-2), what is the pressure on the table?


Name two properties that both microwave and infrared has.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning