Physics question: What's the difference b/t distance and displacement?

Question

I have a quiz tomorrow in Physics (and let me tell you, I am NOT a Physics person....more of a Chemistry person). And I'm still having a hard time finding the difference b/t distance and displacement.

If any1 could help, it would be greatly appreciated=]

Thanx

--AMB

Answer 1

well distance is the overall distance that something has gone. displacement is simply how far you are from where you started. for example, take a triangle: if you start on the right and go left and up (like you're starting a triangle) , then those sides added are the distance. the displacement (distance from where you started) would be like the hypotenuse.

or take for example, if you are driving. say you start at home and go 2 miles left to school. then a mile up to the library. then 2.5 miles diagonally to get coffee. let's say you are now 1 mile from home. the distance you drove/are is 2+1+2.5=5.5 miles. in the end, your displacement is 1 mile (because you're now 1 mile away from home).

hope i helped and good luck!

Answer 2

if i were you i would give sadie the best answer