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

15300 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

what force does a person have to exert on one side of a seesaw if the other person weighs 70kg and is the same distance away from the pivot (2m) on the other side of the seesaw?


If Newton's 3rd law is true (all actions have an equal and opposite reaction), then how can any object move?


Describe the energy transfers taking place when a person is running up a hill


What is Newton's first law of motion?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning