Question

The displacement of a moving object in a given interval of time is zero. Would the distance travelled by the object also be zero? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

The displacement of a moving object in a given interval of time can be zero because of the following reasons: -

1. When the displacement is zero, the distance is not always zero as well. When the moving object returns to its original position, displacement may be zero.
2. Distance travelled is always more than zero and is either equal to or more than displacement.
3. A moving object has zero displacements over a given period of time, meaning it returns to its original position (displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final position of an object). Since distance represents the whole length of the path the body has taken, it cannot be zero in this situation.
4. The distance travelled is not zero if the object returns to its original place.