Question detail
Which of the following correctly describes the difference between distance and displacement?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Forces and motion
Question
- A. Distance is a scalar quantity, while displacement is a vector quantity.
- B. Distance includes direction, while displacement does not.
- C. Distance is always greater than displacement.
- D. Displacement is how far an object moves regardless of direction.
Answer
Distance is a scalar quantity, while displacement is a vector quantity.
Explanation
Distance is a scalar quantity that measures how far an object has moved, while displacement is a vector quantity that measures the distance in a specific direction from the starting point.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Speed Definition
Students often confuse speed with velocity, thinking they are the same because both involve distance and time.
Emphasize that speed is a scalar quantity that only considers distance travelled over time, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction.
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