* Distance: The runner has covered the entire circumference of the track. This is the total distance traveled.
* Displacement: After completing one lap, the runner ends up back at their starting point. Therefore, their displacement is zero, as their final position is the same as their initial position.
In this example, the distance traversed (the circumference of the track) is clearly greater than the magnitude of the displacement (zero).
Key takeaway: Distance is the total length traveled, while displacement is the straight-line distance between the starting and ending points. They can be different, especially in scenarios involving curves or loops.
