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Distance & Displacement
Summary
- Distance is a scalar measure of the interval between two locations measured along the actual path connecting them.
- As a scalar it has magnitude only.
- Δs (italic) is the symbol for distance.
(The origin of this symbol is from the Latin word for space: spatium.)
- Displacement is a vector measure of the interval between two locations measured along the shortest path connecting them.
- As a vector it must be stated with both magnitude and direction.
- Δr (boldface) is the symbol for displacement.
(The origin of this symbol is from the Latin word for spoke: radius.)
- The relation of distance to displacement
- The distance traveled to get from one location to another is always greater than or equal to the magnitude of the displacement between the two locations.
- Distance approaches the magnitude of displacement as distance approaches zero.
- The SI unit of distance and displacement is the meter [m].
