Which of the following is not characteristic of displacement?

The correct option is A

It is not always positive.

Explanation for correct option:

A: It is not always positive.

1. The displacement of an object is the shortest distance between the initial and final point of its path
2. It can have either positive or negative values. It is not always positive.

Explanation for incorrect option:

B: It has both magnitude and direction.

1. It is a vector quantity. It has both magnitude and direction.

C: It can be zero.

1. Displacement may be negative or positive it can be zero depending upon which direction we choose positive or negative.

D: Its magnitude is less than or equal to the actual path length of the object.

1. The displacement is measured along the shortest path between two points, its magnitude is always lesser than or equal to the actual distance the two points.

Thus, “It is not always positive” is not characteristic of displacement.