Correct Option
The correct option is (c).
Explanation
Motion is described using two fundamental physical quantities: distance and displacement. While both measure length, they differ in their nature (scalar vs. vector) and dependence on the path taken.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Distance is the total length of the path covered by an object irrespective of the direction. It has only magnitude and no specific direction; therefore, it is a scalar quantity. Displacement is the vector quantity because it possesses both magnitude and direction.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Displacement is defined as the shortest straight-line path measured from the initial position to the final position of the object. It represents the change in position and is direction-dependent.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The magnitude of displacement is equal to the distance covered only when an object moves in a straight line without changing its direction. In curved motion or if the object reverses direction, the total path length (distance) will be greater than the magnitude of displacement.
Key Takeaway:
Distance is a scalar quantity representing the actual path traveled, whereas Displacement is a vector quantity representing the shortest straight-line distance between the start and end points. Distance $\ge$ |Displacement|.