Define the term position. Differentiate between distance and displacement.

Position: Position is a vector quantity that defines the location of an object in a given reference frame. It specifies the object’s location relative to a reference point (origin). Position is described by coordinates in space (e.g., (x, y) in 2D or (x, y, z) in 3D).

  • Distance: Distance is a scalar quantity that represents the total path length traveled by an object, regardless of the direction. It is always positive and does not depend on the starting and ending points. Example: If an object moves around a track, the distance covered would be the length of the track, irrespective of its direction.

  • Displacement: Displacement is a vector quantity that represents the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions of an object, along with the direction of motion. Unlike distance, displacement can be negative or positive depending on the direction of movement. Example: If a person walks 5 meters east and then 3 meters west, their displacement is 2 meters east.

Property Distance Displacement
Definition The total path length traveled by an object. The shortest straight-line distance between the initial and final position of an object, along with the direction.
Type of Quantity Scalar (only magnitude, no direction). Vector (magnitude and direction).
Direction Does not have a direction. Has a specific direction.
Magnitude Always positive or zero. Can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on direction.
Dependence on Path Depends on the actual path taken by the object. Depends only on the starting and ending points, not on the path.
Example Walking 5 meters forward, then 3 meters back, total distance = 8 meters. Walking 5 meters east and then 3 meters west, displacement = 2 meters east.
Nature of Measurement Path-dependent and cumulative. Independent of the path, depends on the initial and final points.
Graphical Representation Represented as a length in a path. Represented as a straight line from initial to final position in a specific direction.

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  6. A boy moves for some time, give two situations in which his displacement is zero but the distance covered is not zero.
  7. A stone tied to a string is whirling in a circle. What is the direction of its velocity at any instant?
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  9. Can a car moving towards the right have the direction of acceleration towards the left?
  10. With the help of daily life examples, describe the situations in which: a. Acceleration is in the direction of motion. b. Acceleration is against the direction of motion. c. Acceleration is zero and the body is in motion.
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