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Question

Identify which of the following statements is true?


  1. Displacement is scalar and distance is vector

  2. Displacement is vector and distance is scalar

  3. Both displacement and distance are vector

  4. Displacement and distance are always equal

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Solution

The correct option is B

Displacement is vector and distance is scalar


Explanation for correct option:

Option (B):

  1. We know that displacement is the shortest path traversed from one point to another.
  2. Since displacement depends on the initial and final point of the path it is a vector quantity.
  3. We know that distance is the total path traveled from one point to another.
  4. Since distance does depend on the direction of the path traveled, it is a scalar quantity.\

Explanation for incorrect option:

Option (A):

  1. Distance is not a vector quantity.
  2. Displacement is not a scalar quantity.

Option (C):

  1. Displacement is a vector quantity.
  2. Distance is not a vector quantity.

Option (D):

  1. Displacement is the shortest path traversed from one point to another.
  2. Distance is the total path traveled from one point to another.
  3. Hence distance and displacement are not always equal to each other.
  4. If the distance traveled by a body is the shortest path taken by it, we can say that the distance and displacement are equal.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).


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