Which statement correctly defines displacement?

a) the maximum distance between the starting point and the ending point of a motion

b) the shortest distance between the starting point and the ending point of a motion

c) the maximum distance between the starting point and the ending point of a motion, measured in the direction of motion

d) the distance vector between the starting point and the ending point of a motion

e) the distance vector between the ending point and the starting point

Option (B) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

When an object is displaced from initial point to the final point then it is known as displacement.

For example, when a car travels from home (initial point) and reaches to hotel (final point) at 25 Km away then it means the car has displaced from its initial place. It doesn't matter that the distance traveled is shorter or longer.

Thus, we can conclude that the statement shortest distance between the starting point and the ending point of a motion correctly defines displacement.