AFOQT Practice Test

How is displacement defined in physics?

1. The distance an object travels regardless of direction

2. The total distance covered by an object in motion

3. The vector measurement of how far an object is from its starting point

4. The speed of an object in a straight line

The correct answer is: The vector measurement of how far an object is from its starting point

Displacement is defined in physics as a vector measurement that indicates how far an object is from its starting point, along with the direction of that distance. This definition captures both the magnitude of the distance and the specific direction, emphasizing that displacement is not merely about how far an object has traveled, but also about the net change in position from its starting point. The concept of displacement is pivotal in understanding motion because it allows one to assess the overall change in position rather than just the total ground covered. It differs significantly from distance, which is a scalar quantity and does not consider direction or the pathway taken. Thus, it is important to note that displacement can be zero if an object returns to its initial position, even if it has traveled a significant distance.