1.2 Distance vs. Displacement Physical Science LHS 24-25

​Directions:

You will need a piece of paper and a pencil (take notes on new information)

Write today's topic on the top of your paper

Today's Topic: 1.2 Distance vs. Displacement at the top of your paper

​ Topic 1.2 Learning Goal

- Know the difference between distance and displacement

- Be able to calculate distance from a diagram

- Be able to calculate distance from a word problem

- Be able to calculate displacement from a diagram

- Be able to calculate displacement from a word problem

Distance - total path traveled

Think of it as the total amount of steps you had to travel

​

​Distance

The distance consists of adding up the length of all 6 lines

Notice the distance is longer than the displacement

​ Distance

Change in position

The difference between where you Start and where you End

Includes a direction

​

Displacement

​Distance = Red Arrows from point A to Point C


Distance = 4m + 3m = 7m

Calculating Distance and Displacement With a Diagram

​Displacement = Black Arrow from point A to point C

Displacement = 5m North East