Question

Can displacement be zero even if distance is not zero ? Give one example to explain your answer.

• A. Yes. For example, a car travels from point A to B and then comes back. Suppose AB=5m. In this case, distance travelled is 10m, while the displacement is zero.
• B. No. For example, a car travels from point A to B and then comes back. Suppose AB=5m. In this case, displacement is 10m, while the distance travelled is zero.
• C. No. For example, a car travels from point A to B and then comes back. Suppose AB=5m. In this case, displacement and the distance travelled is zero.
• D. None of the above.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Yes. For example, a car travels from point A to B and then comes back. Suppose AB=5m. In this case, distance travelled is 10m, while the displacement is zero.

Displacement can be zero even when distance is not zero. Consider two points A and B such that AB = 5 m. When a car travels from A to B and then back from B to A, distance = 5+5 = 10 m. Displacement = Minimum distance between final(B) and initial position(B) = 0.