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Can one-dimensional motion be described with a zero distance traveled but nonzero displacement. Conversely, can it be described with zero displacement but a nonzero distance traveled?

a) Yes, in both cases.

b) No, in both cases.

c) Yes, in the first case only.

d) Yes, in the second case only.

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

In one-dimensional motion, an object returning to its starting point has a nonzero distance traveled and a zero displacement, while an object moving from one point to another has a nonzero displacement and cannot have zero distance traveled. Option (d) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

One-dimensional motion can indeed be described in two different scenarios. When an object moves from one point and returns to the same point, the total distance traveled is nonzero, but the displacement is zero because the start and end points are the same. Conversely, an object moving in a straight line from point A to point B has a nonzero displacement because the start and end points are different, but it cannot have zero distance traveled, as distance measures the total ground covered.

The correct answer to whether one-dimensional motion can be described with zero distance traveled but nonzero displacement is 'No', and whether it can be described with zero displacement but a nonzero distance traveled is 'Yes'. Therefore, the correct response is (d).

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