Question detail
In a scenario where an object moves 5 meters east and then 3 meters west, what is the 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 their interactions
Question
- A. 2 meters east
- B. 8 meters east
- C. 2 meters west
- D. 3 meters east
Answer
2 meters east
Explanation
The total distance moved is 5 meters east + 3 meters west = 8 meters, but the displacement is the net movement, which is 5 meters east - 3 meters west = 2 meters east.
Common mistake
Confusing Distance and Displacement
Students often think distance and displacement are the same because both measure how far an object has moved.
Emphasize that distance is a scalar quantity with only magnitude, while displacement is a vector quantity that includes direction.
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