Dr. Nuha Aljuneidi

Dynamics in Motion · Mechanical Engineering

Distance and Displacement

ACTIVITY 01

Move the position marker along the number line and compare the total path traveled with the change between the initial and final positions.

ONE-DIMENSIONAL POSITION TRACK
Current position
+2 m
Distance traveled
0 m
Displacement
0 m
traveled path = distance straight arrow = displacement

Interpreting the Motion

Distance is a scalar that accumulates every metre traveled, regardless of direction. Displacement is the signed change in position: final position minus initial position. Move three metres right and three metres left; the distance is 6 m while the displacement returns to 0 m.

Engineering Record

Explain how your final distance and displacement values differ.