Distance vs Displacement | Speed vs Velocity
Key Concepts
Calculations
Examples
Understanding the Differences
Distance (Path Length): Total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction. Always positive.
Displacement: Change in position from start to finish (straight-line distance with direction). Can be zero or negative.
Average Speed: Total distance traveled divided by total time (always positive).
Average Velocity: Displacement divided by time (can be zero or negative).
Current Values
Distance Traveled:
0 m
Displacement:
0 m
Average Speed:
0 m/s
Average Velocity:
0 m/s
Practical Examples
When are they equal? When motion is in one direction without reversing, distance = displacement and speed = velocity.
Football Example: When passed from A to B and back to A:
- Distance = 2×AB
- Displacement = 0
- Average speed = 2×AB/time
- Average velocity = 0
