Physics Displacement Calculator
Calculate the change in position using various kinematic methods.
Change in Position (xf – xi)
Velocity & Time (v × t)
Initial Velocity, Time & Acceleration
Total Displacement:
0 m
Understanding Displacement in Physics
Displacement is a vector quantity that represents the overall change in an object's position. Unlike distance, which measures the total path traveled, displacement focuses solely on the "straight-line" distance between the starting point and the ending point, including the direction.
The Three Primary Displacement Formulas
The method you use to calculate displacement depends on the information available to you:
1. Position Method: Δx = xf – xi
Use this when you know the specific coordinates of the start and end points.
Use this when you know the specific coordinates of the start and end points.
2. Constant Velocity Method: d = v × t
Use this when an object moves at a steady speed in a single direction.
Use this when an object moves at a steady speed in a single direction.
3. Acceleration Method (Kinematic): d = (vi × t) + (½ × a × t²)
Use this when an object is speeding up or slowing down at a constant rate.
Use this when an object is speeding up or slowing down at a constant rate.
Distance vs. Displacement: What is the Difference?
It is common to confuse these two terms, but in physics, they are distinct:
- Distance: A scalar quantity that tracks every meter moved. If you walk 5 meters forward and 5 meters back, your distance is 10 meters.
- Displacement: A vector quantity tracking net change. If you walk 5 meters forward and 5 meters back, your displacement is 0 meters because you are back where you started.
Practical Example
Imagine a car starting from rest (Initial Velocity = 0 m/s) and accelerating at 4 m/s² for 5 seconds. To find the displacement, we use the kinematic formula:
d = (0 × 5) + (0.5 × 4 × 5²)
d = 0 + (0.5 × 4 × 25)
d = 50 meters.