Question

The type of displacement for an object from its initial position to final position will be of the form
1. Circle
2. Straight line
3. Curved path
4. Total distance covered

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Straight line

CONCEPT:

• Distance refers to the total path covered by an object during its motion or during a time interval.
  • The SI unit of distance is meter (m).
  • It is a scalar quantity and thus, has only magnitude.
• Displacement is the distance between the initial and final position after the motion or journey of an object.
  • Displacement is a vector quantity and can be obtained from the difference of position coordinates of the initial and final positions.

EXPLANATION:

• Displacement can be zero either when the particle is stationary or when the particle has returned to its starting position during its journey.
• Displacement cannot be greater than the distance travelled by an object as it is the shortest distance between two points.
• However, it may or may not be equal to distance. In a straight line forward motion, the distance equals displacement.