Distance & Displacement (AQA GCSE Physics Combined Science): Revision Notes

Distance is a scalar quantity, meaning it only tells us how far an object has travelled, but not in which direction.

To measure distance, we follow the exact path the object takes, which can be curved or straight. Distance only gives us the total length of the journey.

Displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it tells us how far and in which direction an object has moved from its starting point.

Displacement is measured in a straight line from the start to the end point. It gives us both the distance between these two points and the direction of travel.

In some cases, displacement direction is measured as a bearing, which is the angle from North to the direction of travel.