Weston C. answered • 06/11/22
B.A. In Physics from University of Delaware
If Timmy travels 20 miles per hour South for 2 hours he travels a total of 40 miles (20mph * 2hours = 40 miles). Distance and displacement are slightly different concepts. Distance is how much ground is covered but displacement is how far you are away from your starting point. He traveled 40 miles and if we assume he didn't turn west or east then he is 40 miles away from his starting point. Distance and displacement in this instance would be the same.
Let's imagine a case where they wouldn't be. Timmy flies to London from New York (3500 miles) and then takes a return trip. The total distance covered would be 7000 miles but the total displacement would be 0 miles because he ends up where he started.
