Comparing Distance and Displacement (GCSE Physics)

Comparing Distance and Displacement

Distance and Displacement

Distance

• Distance is a scalar quantity. Distance is a scalar quantity, which means it gives information about magnitude, but not direction. When talking about distance, we know how far an object has travelled, but we don’t know the direction in which it is travelling.
• We can measure magnitude. Since distance is not measured using a straight line, we can follow the exact motion of an object. By measuring the path that the object has taken, we can find a value for the distance.

Displacement

• Displacement is a vector quantity. Displacement is a vector quantity, which means it gives information about magnitude and direction. When talking about displacement, we know how far an object has travelled and the direction in which it is travelling.
• We can measure magnitude. Unlike distance, the displacement is measured using a straight line. The straight line begins at the starting point of the object and ends at the object’s finishing point (Fig 31). This will give us a value for the magnitude of the displacement.
• We can measure direction. Direction of displacement can be measured in many ways. In exams, some questions will ask for a bearing. A bearing is simply an angle that tells you how ‘far away’ from North an object is situated (Fig 1).