Distance refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of its direction. It is a scalar quantity, meaning it only has magnitude (size) and no direction. Distance is always positive and cannot decrease as an object moves, because it represents the cumulative length of the path covered.
Key Points:
- Scalar Quantity: Distance does not involve direction, unlike displacement, which is a vector.
- Measured in Units: The common units for measuring distance are meters (m), kilometers (km), miles, etc.
- Total Path Length: It is the sum of the entire path taken, no matter how complex or curved.
Example:
- If a person walks from point A to point B along a straight path of 10 meters, then the distance traveled is 10 meters.
- If the person walks 10 meters to point B, then walks 5 meters back towards point A, the total distance traveled is 10+5=1510 + 5 = 1510+5=15 meters, even though the starting and ending positions are different from displacement.