Question

The numerical ratio of displacement to distance of a moving object is :

• A. Always less than unity
• B. Always equal to 1
• C. Always more than 1
• D. Equal or less than 1.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Equal or less than 1.

1. Displacement is the shortest possible path between two points.
2. The distance is the actual path traversed by the body.
3. So, displacement can never be greater than the distance, it will be always less than or equal to 1.
4. If the body travels along the same straight line, then distance becomes equal to displacement.

Thus, the ratio $\frac{\mathrm{Displacement}}{\mathrm{Distance}}\le 1$

Hence, the correct option is (D).