Question

Give several examples of an object’s motion in which a great distance is traveled but the displacement is zero.

Short answer

Automobile races, a round trip from one city to another, and the revolution of the Earth around the Sun are few examples of an object’s motion that covers great distances but with zero displacement.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Definition of displacement

Displacement is a vector quantity having both magnitude and direction. It is the shortest distance between the initial and final locations of an object.It is independent of the path taken by the object.

Step 2. Meaning of zero displacement

When a body moves a considerable distance but returns to its initial position, its displacement is considered zero. In other words, if the initial and final positions of a moving body are the same, the displacement is said to be zero.

Step 3. Examples of zero displacement

Some examples of an object’s motion where a great distance is traveled, but the displacement is still zero are stated below:

• In one year, the Earth moves around the Sun in circular orbits and covers a distance equal to the circumference of its orbit, . At the end of the year, the Earth is back to its initial position. Thus, in the Sun’s frame of reference, the displacement of the Earth is zero.
• While taking a cross country or a road trip, you travel a large distance. However, you are back to your home (initial location) after some time, and the displacement equals zero.
• During oval track racing, the cars travel hundreds of kilometers but their displacement is zero because, in the end, they reach the same starting spot.