Chapter 2.1, Problem 6R

To determine

To explain: whether the size of an object’s displacement could be greater than the distance of the object travels.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Distance and displacement are two quantities with different names and definitions that appear to mean the same but are significantly different. Distance is numerical value of the range that an object travels in a particular time, while displacement is the measure of how far away an object is from the location.

To figure out how far an object is located or how rapidly it is traveling, one needs a reference point from which to calculate it. Each of the physical calculations from a reference point is performed. Measurement is an object’s position concerning some other related parameter.

Similarly, an object's displacement is the shortest distance taken irrespective of the direction of the path followed. Distance is the length of the path that is followed. Therefore, the displacement will still be shorter than the distance in general.

Conclusion:

Hence, the displacement will be shorter than the distance of the object.