1. What is Vertical Displacement?

Vertical displacement refers to the change in vertical position of an object under the influence of gravity. It is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the motion of objects in free fall or projectile motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the vertical displacement equation:

Where:

• \( Dy \) — Vertical displacement (m)
• \( V_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( t \) — Time (s)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)

Explanation: The equation calculates the vertical position change of an object considering its initial upward velocity and the constant acceleration due to gravity acting downward.

3. Importance of Vertical Displacement Calculation

Details: Calculating vertical displacement is essential for analyzing projectile motion, free fall problems, and various engineering applications where vertical motion needs to be predicted and understood.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s and time in seconds. Time must be a non-negative value. The calculator will compute the vertical displacement at the given time.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does negative displacement indicate?
A: Negative displacement indicates the object is below its starting position, typically when it has fallen downward from the initial point.

Q2: How does initial velocity affect displacement?
A: A positive initial velocity (upward) will initially increase displacement upward, while gravity gradually reduces this effect until the object begins descending.

Q3: What is the maximum height reached?
A: Maximum height occurs when vertical velocity becomes zero. This can be calculated using \( t = V_i/g \) and substituting back into the displacement equation.

Q4: Does this equation work for all scenarios?
A: This equation assumes constant gravitational acceleration and no air resistance, making it most accurate for short distances and dense objects.

Q5: How is this different from horizontal displacement?
A: Vertical displacement is affected by gravity, while horizontal displacement (assuming no air resistance) follows constant velocity motion without acceleration.