Position, distance and displacement Knowledge-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   A particle moves along a semicircular path of radius $r$ from point A to the diametrically opposite point B. What are the distance traveled and the magnitude of the displacement of the particle, respectively?

   • A) $\pi r$ and $2r$
   • B) $2r$ and $\pi r$
   • C) $2\pi r$ and $2r$
   • D) $\pi r$ and $0$
2. 2.

   A cart moves along a straight track while its motion is recorded relative to a coordinate axis. If the origin of this coordinate axis is shifted to a new location along the track, which of the following quantities will change?

   • A) Only the cart's position
   • B) Only the cart's displacement
   • C) Both the cart's position and displacement
   • D) The cart's position, displacement, and distance traveled
3. 3.

   Which of the following statements correctly compares the distance traveled and the displacement of an object moving between two points?

   • A) The distance traveled is always strictly less than the magnitude of the displacement.
   • B) The distance traveled depends solely on the initial and final positions, regardless of the path.
   • C) The magnitude of the displacement can exceed the total distance traveled when direction changes.
   • D) The distance traveled is always greater than or equal to the magnitude of the displacement.
4. 4.

   A student walks 60 m due east and then 80 m due north across an open field. What are the total distance traveled and the magnitude of the student's displacement, respectively?

   • A) 100 m and 140 m
   • B) 140 m and 20 m
   • C) 140 m and 100 m
   • D) 100 m and 100 m
5. 5.

   A particle moves along a straight coordinate axis from an initial position $x = +12\text{ m}$ to $x = -8\text{ m}$, and then turns around to reach a final position $x = +4\text{ m}$. What are the total distance traveled and the magnitude of the displacement of the particle, respectively?

   • A) 20 m and 8 m
   • B) 32 m and 8 m
   • C) 32 m and 16 m
   • D) 24 m and 12 m

Answers and step-by-step solutions appear after you finish the test.