Which statement correctly classifies distance and displacement?
Both distance and displacement are scalar quantities.
Both distance and displacement are vector quantities.
Distance is a scalar quantity, and displacement is a vector quantity.
Distance is a vector quantity, and displacement is a scalar quantity.
To determine the correct statement that classifies distance and displacement, we need to understand the difference between scalar and vector quantities.
Scalar quantities are those that only have a magnitude (numerical value) and do not have a direction. Examples of scalar quantities include speed, mass, and temperature.
On the other hand, vector quantities are those that have both magnitude and direction. Examples of vector quantities include velocity, displacement, and force.
Based on this understanding, we can determine that the correct statement is:
Distance is a scalar quantity, and displacement is a vector quantity.
To arrive at this answer, you can recognize that distance only tells you the total amount of ground covered or the total path traveled, disregarding the direction. In contrast, displacement takes into account both the length of the path (magnitude) and the direction from the starting point to the endpoint.
Distance, like 10 miles, is a scalar magnitude
Displacement, like 10 miles NORTH, is a vector.
if you walk north a mile from your house then back a mile south,
your distance = 1+1 = 2 miles
HOWEVER, your displacement is ZERO