Question

Give an example of a motion in which the displacement is zero, but the distance travelled is not zero.

Answer 1

Hint: The above problem can be resolved using the concept of displacement and distance in physics. Moreover, the difference between the terms is also undertaken to clarify the given condition.


Complete step-by-step solution
In physics, the distance and displacements are one of the major elements that are considered important to define the motion of any object. Moreover, if a body covers some length of path during its journey then the length is designated as the distance covered by the object, While the smallest length that is to be travelled within the initial and final points of the journey is known as the displacement of the object.
Significantly, it is possible to have a body having the zero displacement but the non- zero value of the distance. Considering an object to be in motion in a circular path, each time it is making one revolution and starting with a particular point and returning to the same point. Thus, as per the concept of displacement, the object’s displacement for the circular path is zero. But the distance covered by the object is not zero and it is equivalent to the circumference of the circular path.


Note: In order to resolve the given problem, it is important to know the correct significance of distance covered by any object and the displacement of the object. Moreover, the physical relationship between the terms is to be noted and applied accordingly.