Distance and Displacement

Motion

process of moving or a specific movement caused by force. It is observed through a change in position. Terms used to describe it: speed, velocity, and acceleration.

Rectilinear

Movement in a straight line.

Curvilinear

Movement along a curved path

Angular

Rotation around a fixed point

Position

The location of an object at a particular time

Reference Point

A fixed place or object used to compare and determine if an object is in motion.

Distance

• Measures the total path traveled.

• Only considers magnitude (size).

• Scalar quantity (no direction).

Displacement

• Measures the shortest straight-line path from start to end.

• Considers both magnitude and direction.

• Vector quantity (has direction).