Introduction to Physics: Displacement and Velocity

Distance

A scalar quantity measuring the total path traveled.

Displacement

A vector quantity representing the difference between the final position and the initial position.

Speed

A scalar description associated with distance.

Velocity

A vector description associated with displacement.

Average Velocity Formula

The formula for average velocity is $\bar{v} = \frac{d}{t}$, where $d$ represents displacement and $t$ represents total time.

Positive Displacement

Movement towards the East or North.

Negative Displacement

Movement towards the West or South.

Example of Distance

If John walks 8 meters East and then 3 meters West, his total distance is 11 meters.

Example of Displacement

In the previous example, John's net displacement is +5 meters.