Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

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How is 'displacement' defined in physics?

It is the total distance traveled by an object
It is the direction an object moves
It is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position
It is the average speed of an object

The correct answer is: It is the shortest distance from the initial to the final position

Displacement in physics is defined as the shortest distance from the initial position of an object to its final position, along with the direction of that straight line. This definition emphasizes the significance of the straight-line measurement between two points, giving both distance and directional information. Displacement differs from distance traveled, which considers the entire path taken by the object, regardless of the direction. The focus on the straight line between the start and end points means displacement does not depend on the path taken, making it a vector quantity defined by both magnitude and direction. Understanding displacement is essential in various physics applications, such as calculating velocity, since velocity is defined as displacement over time. This distinction and the understanding of displacement's characteristics are crucial for correctly interpreting motion in physics.