Distinguish between:
(1) Distance and displacement.
(2) Uniform motion and non uniform motion.
Distinguish between:
(1) Distance and displacement.
(2) Uniform motion and non uniform motion.
(1) Difference between distance and displacement:
Distance
Displacement
1. Distance is the length of the path travelled.
1. Displacement is the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions.
2. Distance is a scalar quantity. It has only magnitude.
2. Displacement is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude and direction.
3. Distance is always positive. Its minimum value can be zero.
3. Displacement can be positive, negative or zero.
4. Distances can be added algebraically to find the total distance travelled.
4. The net displacement is a vector addition of individual displacements.
5. Whenever there is a linear motion, there is a distance travelled.
5. A body may undergo a linear motion without any displacement.
(2) Difference between uniform and non-uniform motion:
Uniform motion
Non-uniform motion
In this motion, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals.
In this motion, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals.
Motion of a ball on smooth surface without any external force
Motion of a car on crowed road
(1) Difference between distance and displacement:
| Distance | Displacement |
| 1. Distance is the length of the path travelled. | 1. Displacement is the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions. |
| 2. Distance is a scalar quantity. It has only magnitude. | 2. Displacement is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude and direction. |
| 3. Distance is always positive. Its minimum value can be zero. | 3. Displacement can be positive, negative or zero. |
| 4. Distances can be added algebraically to find the total distance travelled. | 4. The net displacement is a vector addition of individual displacements. |
| 5. Whenever there is a linear motion, there is a distance travelled. | 5. A body may undergo a linear motion without any displacement. |
(2) Difference between uniform and non-uniform motion:
| Uniform motion | Non-uniform motion |
| In this motion, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals. | In this motion, the object covers equal distances in equal time intervals. |
| Motion of a ball on smooth surface without any external force | Motion of a car on crowed road |
