Zero
Explanation
Displacement is a vector quantity defined as the shortest straight-line distance directed from an object's initial position to its final position. It is distinct from distance, which is a scalar quantity representing the total length of the path covered during motion.
Analysis
When a satellite completes one full revolution in its orbit, the following kinematic principles apply:
- The satellite travels along the orbital path and returns to the exact point from where it started.
- Consequently, the initial position and the final position are identical.
- Since displacement is calculated as the vector difference between the final and initial positions ($\Delta \vec{r} = \vec{r}_{final} - \vec{r}_{initial}$), the result is zero.
While the distance traveled is equal to the circumference of the orbit ($2\pi r$), the net displacement is zero.
Key Takeaway: For any object moving in a closed loop or completing a full cycle where it returns to its starting point, the net displacement is always zero.