Final answer:
Distance is a scalar quantity representing the total path length traveled, while displacement is a vector quantity indicating the straight-line distance from start to end, including direction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distance vs. Displacement
To address the student's Distance and Displacement Worksheet question, let's define and differentiate between the terms distance and displacement. Distance is a scalar quantity that refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of its starting or ending point. On the other hand, displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the straight-line distance from the initial position to the final position of the object, and it includes the direction of motion.
In the given example, a displacement of +2.00 km indicates that the distance between the initial and final positions is 2.00 km, and the path traveled was in a specific direction. If the path taken by an object is a straight line and matches the direction from start to end, then the distance traveled is the same as the magnitude of the displacement. However, if the path taken includes any detours or curves, the distance will be greater than the displacement.
Displacement is often more useful in physics because it provides information about the direction of motion, qualifying it as a vector quantity. Understanding the distinction between these concepts is essential for problem-solving in physics and related fields.