Question

1. which statements correctly describe displacement?

select two correct answers.
a. displacement indicates the distance that an object traveled but not the direction.
b. displacement is a point of reference used to determine if an object is in motion.
c. displacement is an objects change in position relative to a reference point.
d. displacement represents the total distance traveled by an object.
e. displacement indicates the distance and direction that an object travels.

Explanation:

• Displacement is a vector quantity. It is defined as the change in position of an object relative to a reference point. This means it has both magnitude (distance) and direction.
• Option C: This is the basic definition of displacement. For example, if an object moves from position \(x_1\) to \(x_2\), displacement \(\Delta x=x_2 - x_1\).
• Option E: Since displacement is a vector, it must indicate both the distance (magnitude) and direction. For instance, an object moving 5 meters east has a displacement of 5 meters in the east - direction.
• Option A: Displacement does indicate direction (as it is a vector), so this is incorrect.
• Option B: A point of reference to determine motion is just a reference frame, not displacement.
• Option D: The total distance traveled is a scalar quantity called distance, not displacement.

Answer:

C. Displacement is an object’s change in position relative to a reference point.
E. Displacement indicates the distance and direction that an object travels.