A particle begins at the origin, travels along the X-axis to the point (20 m , 0) , and subsequently returns along the same line to the point (-20 m , 0) . Determine the distance and displacement of the particle for this trip.

Step-by-step solution

Distance is the total path length covered by the particle. The particle travels from x = 0 to x = 20 m , covering a distance of 20 m . It then travels from x = 20 m to x = -20 m , covering a distance of |-20 - 20| = 40 m . Total distance = 20 m + 40 m = 60 m . Displacement is the change in position of the particle. Initial position, x_i = 0 m . Final position, x_f = -20 m . Displacement = x_f - x_i = -20 m - 0 m = -20 m .