Physics
Physics
Problem
Which quantity can become zero for a body that has travelled a certain distance along a straight line and then returned to its starting point? a) Distance b) Both distance and displacement c) Displacement d) Neither distance nor displacementIntuitive explanation
The key is distinguishing between distance and displacement. Distance measures the total path length traveled (always positive), while displacement measures the net change in position from start to finish. When you return to your starting point, the path length is nonzero, but your net change in position is zero—so displacement becomes zero. This is why displacement, not distance, can vanish for a round trip.
Intuitive explanation
The key is distinguishing between distance and displacement. Distance measures the total path length traveled (always positive), while displacement measures the net change in position from start to finish. When you return to your starting point, the path length is nonzero, but your net change in position is zero—so displacement becomes zero. This is why displacement, not distance, can vanish for a round trip.