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Displacement Formula:
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The displacement equation \( s = ut + \frac{1}{2}at^2 \) calculates the displacement of an object under constant acceleration. It's one of the fundamental equations of motion in physics, describing how position changes over time when acceleration is constant.
The calculator uses the displacement equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for both the initial velocity component (ut) and the acceleration component (0.5at²) to determine total displacement.
Details: Calculating displacement is fundamental in physics and engineering for predicting object position, analyzing motion, and solving kinematics problems. It's essential for understanding how objects move under various forces.
Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s, acceleration in m/s², and time in seconds. Time must be a non-negative value. The calculator will compute the displacement in meters.
Q1: What's the difference between displacement and distance?
A: Displacement is a vector quantity measuring change in position with direction, while distance is a scalar quantity measuring total path length traveled.
Q2: Does this equation work for variable acceleration?
A: No, this equation assumes constant acceleration. For variable acceleration, integration methods are required.
Q3: What if initial velocity is zero?
A: If u = 0, the equation simplifies to \( s = \frac{1}{2}at^2 \), which describes displacement from rest under constant acceleration.
Q4: Can this calculate negative displacement?
A: Yes, displacement can be negative if the object moves in the negative direction relative to the coordinate system.
Q5: What are typical units for this equation?
A: Standard SI units are meters for displacement, m/s for velocity, m/s² for acceleration, and seconds for time.