Question

Which of the following statements is incorrect ?

• A. Path length is a scalar quantity whereas displacement is a vector quantity
• B. The magnitude of displacement is always equal to the path length traversed by an object over a given time interval
• C. The displacement depends only on the end points whereas path length depends on the actual path followed
• D. The path length is always positive whereas displacement can be positive, negative and zero

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

In one dimensional motion, the path length and magnitude of displacement are equal only if the object does not change its direction during the course of motion. In all other cases, the path length is greater than the magnitude of displacement.