Scalar quantities
The quantities that depend upon magnitude and not the direction is called scalar quantities. They are represented as their own symbol.
Vector quantities
A physical quantity that depends upon magnitude as well as direction. They are represented by putting on their symbol.
Distance and Displacement:
Distance
• The distance travelled by a moving object is the length of the path the object takes.
• The measure of distance is a scalar quantity. The meter is the SI unit of distance.
Displacement
• It is the shortest path covered by a moving object in a specified direction from the point of reference (the initial position of the body).
• The meter is the SI unit of displacement.
• Displacement is a vector, which means that it is represented by a number with appropriate units and direction.
Difference between Distance and Displacement
Distance |
Displacement |
Distance provides the complete details of the path taken by the object |
Displacement does not provide the complete details of the path taken by the object |
Distance is always positive |
Displacement can be positive, negative or zero |
It is a scalar quantity |
It is a vector quantity |
The distance between two points may not be unique |
The displacement between two points is always unique |