Run one full lap of a 400 m track. How far did you go: 400 m, or nowhere at all?
You've already seen both quantities: distance, the length of the path, and displacement, the straight-line change in position. For the same journey they can disagree. Completely.
Distance never shrinks as a journey continues. Displacement can shrink, all the way to zero. The two agree in size only when the object moves in a straight line without turning back.
A kayaker paddles 500 m downstream, then 200 m back upstream. State the distance and the displacement.
Write down the values in the question:
legs of 500 m downstream and 200 m upstream
Distance: add every leg.
500 + 200 = 700
The path is 700 m long.
Displacement: compare the endpoints.
500 − 200 = 300
The kayak ends 300 m downstream of its start.
distance = 700 m; displacement = 300 m downstream
A cyclist rides 300 m north, then 100 m south. Which pair states the distance traveled and the displacement?
A shopper walks 45 m from a store entrance to a counter, then 45 m straight back to the entrance. Which pair states the distance traveled and the displacement?
A jogger runs 250 m straight east without turning. Which pair states the distance traveled and the displacement?
A skater completes one full circuit of a 350 m loop trail, ending at her starting bench. Which pair states the distance traveled and the displacement?
A forklift drives 12 m forward, 4 m backward, then 2 m forward. Which pair states the distance traveled and the displacement?
For which journey does the distance traveled equal the size of the displacement?