Difference Between Distance and Displacement

In physics, distance and displacement are used to indicate the length between two points. However, these two are not one and the same thing. While distance is the length of the actual path between two locations, displacement, on the other hand, is the length of the shortest path between two locations.

So, the distance tells us, how much path is traveled by the body, during motion and the displacement gives us an idea of how far the body is from its starting point, and that too in which direction. The difference between distance and displacement are not known to many people, so if you are also looking for it, the article might prove helpful for you take a look.

Content: Distance Vs Displacement

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Distance	Displacemenet
Meaning	Distance refers to the amount of space between two points, measured along the actual path, linking them.	Displacement refers to the amount of space between the two points, measured along the minimum path linking them.
What is it?	Length of the total avenue traversed by the body.	Least distance between starting and ending point.
Quantity	Scalar Quantity	Vector Quantity
Information	Gives complete information of the route followed by the body.	Does not give complete information of the route followed by the body.
Time	Distance can never decrease with time.	Displacement can decrease with time.
Values	Positive	Positive, Negative or Zero
Unique path	No	Yes
Denoted by	d	s
Formula	Speed × Time	Velocity × Time

Definition of Distance

We define distance as a scalar expression; that implies how much area is covered by an object while travelling from one location to another. As a scalar measure, it takes into account the magnitude only and not the direction. So, it gives the numerical value of the amount of space between two points, at a given time, considering the actual path. The SI unit of distance is meters.

Definition of Displacement

Displacement means the change in position of someone or something, in a particular direction. It is the shortest length measured from its initial position to the final position of the moving body. It is a vector quantity, so it takes into account both magnitude and direction of the object. The magnitude of displacement refers to the linear distance between two points.

In general, measurement of displacement is done along the straight line, although, its measurement can also be done along curved paths. Further, the measurement is done considering a reference point.

Conclusion

So, with the points mentioned above, you might have understood, the distance and displacement are not same at all. Distance is the actual length of the path covered by someone or something, but displacement is the length of the shortest route between the starting and ending points. So, displacement is either equal to or less than the distance between two points. Further, the reference point is used in displacement but not in distance.