Distance and Displacement - GCSE Physics

This video explains the similarities and differences between distance and displacement. Distance is how far something has travelled, measured in metres (not meters). But displacement, also measured in metres, is how far something has travelled in a given direction.

Distance only has a size therefore it's a scalar. Displacement has a direction as well as size therefore it's a vector. The distance travelled by an object is always greater than its displacement unless the object has travelled in a perfectly straight line in which case the distance and displacement are equal in size. This is because displacement only has one direction, hence is always measured in a straight line (from the start point to the end point).

If you travel a certain distance, no matter how far, and end up in the same place you started, then your displacement is always 0m.

Thanks for watching,

Lewis

Relevant for GCSE Physics 9-1 in the following exam boards:
AQA (including Trilogy)
Edexcel
CCEA (Higher only)
OCR A
OCR B
WJEC (not specifically relevant but recommended)
Edexcel International IGCSE

_____________________________________

MY PHYSICS WEBSITES
Find even more videos organised by exam board and topic at:

GCSE Physics Online
A Level Physics Online

MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Your support in watching this video has been invaluable! To contribute towards the free videos on YouTube, make a small donation at:

FOLLOW ME

#displacement #gcsephysics #physicsonline

[zoeevans]

Great video, very helpful thank you! What a great day to be walking out in the countryside! This is great timing actually as I’m revising this topic today! Have a great weekend Lewis!

[ayaanrahman]

Hi sir, my alevels are in 3 months, have I left everything too late?