The location of a particale is changed. What can we say about the displacement and distance coverd by the particle?

Options

A. Both cannot be zero
B. One of the two may be zero
C. Both must be zero
D. Both must be equal

Explanation

To analyze the situation where the location of a particle has changed, we need to understand the concepts of displacement and distance covered by the particle.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Define Initial and Final Positions**:
- Let the initial position of the particle be point A and the final position be point B. Since the location of the particle has changed, A and B are not the same point.

2. **Understanding Distance**:
- Distance is the total length of the path traveled by the particle from point A to point B. It is a scalar quantity and is always positive or zero. In this case, since the particle has moved from A to B, the distance covered is greater than zero.

3. **Understanding Displacement**:
- Displacement is defined as the shortest straight-line distance from the initial position (A) to the final position (B) along with the direction. It is a vector quantity. Since A and B are different points, the displacement is also greater than zero.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: Both cannot be zero. This is correct because since the particle has moved from A to B, both distance and displacement are greater than zero.
- **Option B**: One of the two may be zero. This is incorrect because for one to be zero, the particle would have to return to the same position (A = B), which contradicts the problem statement.
- **Option C**: Both must be zero. This is also incorrect as it implies no movement, which is not the case here.
- **Option D**: Both must be equal. This is not necessarily true; they can be equal if the particle moves in a straight line from A to B, but it is not a requirement.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The correct conclusion is that both displacement and distance covered by the particle cannot be zero, confirming that option A is the right choice.