The shortest straight-line distance between the initial and final positions of an object is called:

Correct answer: Displacement. Displacement is the shortest straight-line distance from the starting point to the final position, with a direction.

Background: Displacement is a vector, while distance is a scalar.

• Velocity: Velocity is the rate of change of displacement.
• Acceleration: Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity.
• Force: Force is a push or pull.

Did you know? If you return to the starting point, your displacement is zero.

Memory trick: Displacement = start to end, straight.