Enter the initial and final positions into the calculator to determine the average displacement of an object. The calculator will provide the average displacement, which is the straight-line distance between the two positions.
Average Displacement Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the average displacement:
D = S_f - S_i
Variables:
- D is the average displacement (meters)
- S_f is the final position (meters)
- S_i is the initial position (meters)
To calculate the average displacement, subtract the initial position from the final position.
What is Average Displacement?
Average displacement is a vector quantity that represents the change in position of an object. It is the shortest path between the initial and final positions of the object, often represented as a straight line. Displacement takes into account the direction of movement and is not the same as distance, which is a scalar quantity and does not involve direction.
How to Calculate Average Displacement?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Average Displacement.
- First, determine the initial position (S_i) in meters.
- Next, determine the final position (S_f) in meters.
- Use the formula D = S_f – S_i to find the average displacement (D).
- Finally, calculate the Average Displacement (D) in meters.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Initial position (S_i) = 5 meters
Final position (S_f) = 20 meters