Distance and Displacement - Weekly Blog (12/3-12/7)

File:Distancedisplacement by Stannered


Summary:


Distance and displacement are quantities that define two different lengths. Distance refers to how much ground an object has covered. This means that distance is a scalar quantity or a measure of magnitude. However, displacement refers to the shortest possible length between the start and end points, or the change in placement of an object. This means that the displacement is always measured in a straight line. 

Distance and Displacement by BYJU'S
For example, in the image above, we can see that the distance is the overall route the object took, however, the displacement is a straight line measuring the length between the start and end position. In the image at left, we see that the object traveled from the tree (point a) to the house (point b) to another tree (point c). To figure out the distance, we add the two lengths (3m + 4m = 7m). This means that the distance is 7m. However, to find the displacement, we have to find the length between point a, the starting point, and point c, the endpoint. 

To do this, we have to use the Pythagorean theorem:



a² + b² = c², where c is the displacement


4² + 3² = c²


16 + 9 = √25

The displacement is √25 m or 5 m.


SP5: Using Mathematics


This week, I used mathematics to learn more about distance and displacement and how they are different. We used the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length (or displacement) between the start and end points. We also used addition to calculate the distance or total route covered by the object. By using mathematics, I have learned more about the difference between distance and displacement and how they compare in real-life situations.

XCC: Systems and System Models


This week, I noticed the system of distance and displacement and how using models helps represent the distance and displacement of an object's movement. Using models to show the lengths between the start and end points helps to visualize the movement of the object. The parts of the models above are the lengths that show the start and end points, and the path that the object covered as well as the shortest possible route between the start and end points. By thinking of this as a system, I have learned more about distance and displacement and how it can be modeled.

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