When studying motion, physicists find it more useful to measure the displacement of an object rather than the distance. Displacement refers to the object's change in position from its starting point to its finishing point, taking both distance and direction into account.

How can you travel a distance of 10 meters but have a zero displacement?

Science requires careful observations

Why does this boat float?

Ship floating on nothing! :: Physikshow Uni Bonn

School blocks YouTube? Use the file below

Sulfur hexafluoride is more dense
then the surrounding air

When physicists study motion they study
displacement not distance.

Video Instruction

showmethephysics.com

Fill in the Blanks Notes

Enduring Understanding

1. Displacement is an oject's distance and direction traveled from start to finish. (What happens in between doesn't matter)

2. + is up, right, east and forward.

C. Displacement - distance & direction from start to finish

1) Examples

Displacement?

1 m up

Displacement?

3 m Right

(Start to finish)

Distance = 7 meters

Displacement =

5 m N of E

2) Displacement always has ...

Magnitude

(a number)

..and direction

a) Examples

• 5m East
• 7m upward
• + 17 m

b) Positive and Negative Signs also show direction

+ Usually up, right, north, east, forward

- Usually down, left, south, west, backwards

c) Symbol for displacement: d

Summary Review

At what point is
the displacement:

1) greatest?
2) zero?
3) equal to distance?

4) What is the displacement at C?

1) B

2) At the start

3) Any point between
start and A

Displacement at C is

4 meters down

Velocity
AP

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