Here's why:
* Distance: The total length of the path traveled by a body.
* Displacement: The shortest distance between the initial and final positions of a body.
Let's break down the scenarios:
* Straight line, no change in direction: In this case, the distance travelled and the shortest distance between the start and end points are the same.
* Curved path: If the body moves along a curved path, the distance traveled will be greater than the shortest distance between the start and end points. The displacement will be the straight line connecting the starting and ending points.
* Changing direction: If the body changes direction during its movement, the distance will always be greater than the displacement.
Example:
Imagine a car traveling 10 kilometers east.
* Distance: 10 kilometers
* Displacement: 10 kilometers east (same as distance)
However, if the car travels 5 kilometers east, then 5 kilometers west, the:
* Distance: 10 kilometers (5 km + 5 km)
* Displacement: 0 kilometers (the car ends up back at its starting point)
