Distance and Displacement

DISTANCE
Is the length between two points

The SI-unit of distance is Metre (m)
The distance is a scalar quantity

DISPLACEMENT
Is the distance moved in a specific direction

The SI-unit of displacement is Metre (m)
The distance is a vector quantity

Example 
The figure below shows a body moves due south from point A to point B a distance of 4 Km. It then
moves due East to point C a distance of 3 Km.

Determine;
a)  The total distance covered
b)  The displacement

Solution
a)  The total distance

The total distance covered = 7 Km

b)  The displacement is obtained by using Pythagoras theorem

The displacement = 5 Km from point A to C