What are the straight-line distance and direction between two points called?

Study for the SDI Introduction to Physical Science Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions, and access hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Get ready for your exam!

The straight-line distance and direction between two points is referred to as displacement. Displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it possesses both magnitude and direction. It effectively captures how far out of place an object is from its initial position to its final position, considering only the shortest path between them.

In contrast, distance measures the total ground covered between two points, regardless of direction, which makes it a scalar quantity. Velocity, while also a vector, describes the rate of change of displacement over time, incorporating both speed and direction, but it does not specifically represent the straight-line distance between two locations. Path length refers to the total distance traveled along a specific route, which can be longer than the straight-line distance due to any changes in direction or curvature along the path. Hence, displacement specifically describes the shortest distance with a directional component, making it the precise term for the straight-line distance and direction between two points.

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