What is the difference between distance and displacement?

Distance is a scalar quantity that refers to the total length of the path traveled by an object, regardless of its direction. Displacement, on the other hand, is a vector quantity that refers to the change in position of an object from its initial point to its final point, taking into account both the distance and direction of the movement. In simpler terms, distance is the actual path traveled, while displacement is the shortest distance between the initial and final points.

Distance:
- Scalar quantity, only has magnitude.
- Total length of path traveled, regardless of direction.
- Example: A car travels 60 miles.

Displacement:
- Vector quantity, has both magnitude and direction.
- Change in position from the initial to the final point.
- Example: A car travels 60 miles north from its starting point.