Describe the difference between distance and displacement. Displacement is a net sum of all pieces of motion, while distance is an overall change in position Distance is a net sum of all pieces of motion, while displacement is an overall change in position Displacement and distance both reference the exact same length an object travelled for. There is no difference. Displacement only occurs when an object is forced to move (like water in a bucket when a wood block is placed inside). Distance occurs for all types of motion