Scalar vs Vector Physics Simulator

Distance (Scalar)

0.0 units

Total path length

Displacement (Vector)

45.0 units

Straight line distance

Distance vs Displacement
STARTDistance: Path Length (Blue Dashed)Displacement: Straight Line (Purple Arrow)
Distance vs Displacement

Watch how distance (total path) differs from displacement (straight line)!

Distance

Total length of the path traveled (scalar)

Example: If you walk around a circular track, distance is the circumference

Displacement

Straight-line distance from start to end (vector)

Example: After one complete lap, displacement is zero!

💡 Key Insight

Distance is always greater than or equal to displacement. They're only equal for straight-line motion!