Total displacement

Definition

Total displacement is the vector quantity that represents the change in position of an object. It is measured as the straight-line distance from the initial to the final position, along with the direction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction.
2. The SI unit for displacement is meters (m).
3. Total displacement can be zero if the starting and ending positions are the same, even if distance traveled is not zero.
4. Displacement differs from distance; distance is a scalar quantity representing total path length traveled.
5. In one-dimensional motion, displacement can be calculated as $\Delta x = x_f - x_i$, where $x_f$ is final position and $x_i$ is initial position.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes displacement from distance?
• How can total displacement be zero even if an object has moved?
• What formula would you use to calculate total displacement in one-dimensional motion?

Related terms

Distance: A scalar quantity representing the total path length traveled by an object, regardless of direction.

Vector: A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, such as displacement or velocity.

Average Velocity: $\text{Average Velocity} = \frac{\text{Total Displacement}}{\text{Time Interval}}$; a vector quantity showing rate of change of displacement over time.