GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Distance & Displacement

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Forces Forces and motion

Distance & Displacement

3:14 Distance, Displacement and Speed
Spec 4.5.6.1.1 4.5.6.1.3
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  • Distance measures how far an object moves.
  • Distance can be measured using tools like a ruler or measuring wheel.
  • Distance is measured in meters, an SI unit.
  • Originally, a meter was defined as one 10,000,000th the distance from the North Pole to the equator via Paris.
  • Distance is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction.
  • Total distance can be found by adding individual parts together.
  • Displacement is the length and direction of a straight line from the starting point to the ending point of a journey.
  • Displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
  • Displacement can be represented by arrows from start to end points.
  • Displacement is expressed in terms of magnitude and direction.
  • The magnitude of displacement is always less than or equal to the distance traveled.
  • Distances always add as they are scalars, while displacements add and subtract as they are vectors.
  • Displacement describes only the start and end points, whereas distance describes the full journey.
  • For exams, understanding the differences between distance and displacement is important.

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