What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Let us have an object that starts at an origin point O and ends at some finishing point F. Distance is the total length of the path taken by the object between O and F, this is also known from our everyday lives. Displacement is also a measure of distance but is subtlety different. Displacement is the direct distance between the starting and finishing point of an object, that is if you were to draw a straight line between O and F the objects displacement would be the length of said straight line

GM

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the SUVAT equations and how can I remember them?


Explain the difference between forced vibration and resonance in an oscillating object.


I dont really understand the Rutherford experiment


Define the resistivity of a metal wire