Distance
Definition:
The distance travelled by an object is the total length that is travelled by that object.
SI unit: meter (m)
Quantity: Scalar
Displacement
Definition:
Displacement of an object from a point of reference, O is the shortest distance of the object from point O in a specific direction.
SI unit: meter (m)
Quantity: Vector
Example:
- The distance of point B from the origin O is 100m.
- The distance of point A from the origin O is also 100m.
- The displacement of point B from the origin O is +100m.
- The distance of point A from the origin O is -100m.
- The + and – sign shows the direction of the displacement.
Recommended Videos
Distance and Displacement in One Dimension
This video describes the difference between distance and displacement in one dimensional motion. Also shows how to calculate displacement.