Paths that have a displacement of zero are similar in the sense that they start and end at the same position. Displacement refers to the overall change in position of an object, considering both magnitude and direction.

If two paths have a displacement of zero, it means that the net change in position between the starting point and the ending point is zero. This implies that, despite any twists, turns, or detours taken along the way, the final position is the same as the initial position.

However, it’s important to note that paths with a displacement of zero can still differ significantly in terms of the distance covered or the shape of the path itself.

For example, imagine a person walking in a small circle and returning to the starting point. Another person might walk in a much larger circle but also end up at the same starting point. Both paths have a displacement of zero, but they are clearly distinct in terms of their shape and distance traveled.

In summary, while paths with a displacement of zero share the characteristic of returning to the same starting position, they can still exhibit variations in terms of their length, shape, and overall trajectory.

Some Example That Have a Displacement of Zero

The term “displacement of zero” typically refers to objects or substances that have no net movement or change in position. Here are a few examples:

  1. A stationary rock: If a rock is sitting still and not moving, its displacement would be considered zero since it hasn’t undergone any change in position.
  2. A parked car: When a car is parked and not in motion, its displacement is zero because it remains in the same position.
  3. A book on a shelf: If a book is placed on a shelf and remains there without being moved, its displacement is zero because it hasn’t been displaced from its original position.
  4. A stationary building: A building that is fixed in one location and doesn’t undergo any movement or relocation has a displacement of zero.
  5. An object held in a person’s hand: When someone is holding an object, such as a pen or a cup, without moving it from their hand’s position, the displacement of the object is zero.

These examples demonstrate situations where objects or substances remain stationary or have no overall change in position, resulting in a displacement of zero.