Is Displacement Zero if I End a 1-Mile Run in the Same Spot?

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SUMMARY

In the context of physics, displacement is defined as the shortest distance from the initial to the final position, taking direction into account. When running on a circular track and completing multiple laps, such as 4 laps of 1/4 mile each totaling 1 mile, the displacement is indeed zero because the runner ends at the starting point. This conclusion is confirmed by the principles of kinematics, which state that displacement is independent of the distance traveled.

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This discussion is beneficial for students new to physics, educators teaching kinematics, and anyone interested in understanding the concepts of distance and displacement in motion.

iurod
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Hi,
Sorry about the question, as I'm sure its super simple, I'm new to physics :)

If I'm running a on a circular track and I do say 4 laps (1/4 mile each lap, 1 mile total) is my displacement equal to 0. Since I ended the run exactly where I started?

Thanks for the help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes.
 
Thank you for clearing that up for me Doc Al.. :)
 

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