Question

Which of the following statement is correct regarding distance and displacement?

• A. Distance is always greater than the magnitude of displacement.
• B. Distance is always smaller than the magnitude of displacement.
• C. Distance is greater than or equal to the magnitude of displacement.
• D. Distance can never be greater than displacement.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Distance is greater than or equal to the magnitude of displacement.

Distance is equal to the length of the whole path taken by the body in moving from one place to another.

Displacement is equal to the length of the shortest distance between the initial and the final positions of the body.

Hence, displacement is either less than or equal to, but never greater than, the distance covered by the body.