Question

During a particular time interval, the displacement of an object is equal to zero. Must the distance traveled by this object also equal to zero during this time interval? Group of answer choices

Answer 1

Answer: No, we can have a displacement equal to 0 while the distance traveled is different than zero.

Explanation:

Ok, let's write the definitions:

Displacement: The displacement is equal to the difference between the final position and the initial position.

Distance traveled: Total distance that you moved.

So, for example, if at t = 0s, you are in your house, then you go to the store, and then you return to your house, we have:

The displacement is equal to zero, because the initial position is your house and the final position is also your house, so the displacement is zero.

But the distance traveled is not zero, because you went from you traveled the distance from your house to the store two times.

So no, we can have a displacement equal to zero, but a distance traveled different than zero.