Question
Words such as position, distance, and displacement have very specific meanings in physics and cannot be used interchangeably. Determine whether the following descriptions apply to displacement or to distance. Velocity multiplied by time. & Displacement & Distance Walking a lap, 400 meters around a track. & square The change in the odometer reading after taking a trip. & square 15 kilometers, south. & square
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Quentin
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Answer
# ExplanationIn physics, the terms "displacement" and "distance" have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable. Here is a detailed explanation of each term and how they apply to the given descriptions:1. **Displacement**: This is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object. It has both magnitude and direction. Displacement is the shortest path between the initial and final positions of an object.2. **Distance**: This is a scalar quantity that refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of direction. Distance only has magnitude and no direction.Now, let's analyze each description:1. **Velocity multiplied by time**: - Displacement is calculated as the product of velocity and time, given that velocity is a vector quantity and includes direction. - Therefore, this description applies to **Displacement**.2. **Walking a lap of 400 meters**: - When walking a lap, the total path traveled is considered, which is the distance around the lap. - Therefore, this description applies to **Distance**.3. **The change in the odometer**: - An odometer measures the total distance traveled by a vehicle, regardless of direction. - Therefore, this description applies to **Distance**.4. **15 kilometers, south**: - This description includes both magnitude (15 kilometers) and direction (south), which is characteristic of displacement. - Therefore, this description applies to **Displacement**.# Answer\begin{array}{|c|c|c|}\hline\ Description\ &\ Displacement\ &\ Distance\ \\\hline\ Velocity\ multiplied\ by\ time\ &\ X\ &\ \\\hline\ Walking\ a\ lap\ of\ 400\ meters\ &\ &\ X\ \\\hline\ The\ change\ in\ the\ odometer\ &\ &\ X\ \\\hline\ 15\ kilometers,\ south\ &\ X\ &\ \\\hline\end{array}