Final answer:
In physics, motion is the change in an object's position over time, position defines its location within a reference frame, displacement is the vector change in position, and distance is the scalar total path length traveled by the object.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Terms
Motion is the change in an object's position over time when observed in a particular frame of reference.
Position is the location of an object in a chosen reference frame, which is often described using coordinates (like x, y, z in three-dimensional space).
Displacement is the change in an object's position, the vector drawn from the initial position (xi) to the final position (xf). Notably, displacement has both magnitude and direction, which defines it as a vector quantity. Its formula is Δx = xf - xi, where Δ (delta) signifies 'change in'.
Distance is the total length of the path that an object travels during its motion. Unlike displacement, distance is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude without any regard for direction.
Relationship and Distinctions
Position and displacement are related in that displacement is essentially the change in position. However, it is crucial to distinguish between displacement and the distance traveled, as displacement refers to the shortest path between the start and end points in a straight line, while distance traveled accounts for the actual path taken, regardless of its direction or complexity.