What is the diffrence and similarties

Thread starter Maroc
Start date Feb 4, 2009

AI Thread Summary

Displacement and position both measure location in space and share the same units, typically meters. However, displacement is a vector quantity, meaning it includes both magnitude and direction, while position is a scalar quantity that only indicates location. Displacement represents the change in position from one point to another, whereas position refers to a specific point in space. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for solving physics problems related to motion. Overall, recognizing the vector nature of displacement versus the scalar nature of position is essential for accurate analysis in physics.

Feb 4, 2009

Maroc

Gold Member

Homework Statement

I just want to know what is the difference and similiarties of displacement and Position

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Physics news on Phys.org

Feb 4, 2009

Delphi51

Homework Helper

Both have the same units, usually meters. But displacement is a vector - it has a direction as well as a number of meters.

Feb 4, 2009

Maroc

Gold Member

Thanks lad

Thread 'I've come across another fluid pressure problem I don't understand'

Neglect gravity other than that of water; neglect friction. F1=ρgsh=1000*10*1*(1+4)=50000 N; F1=ρgsh=1000*10*0.1*4=4000 N; F3=50000-4000=46000 N?

View full post »

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...

View full post »

Thread 'Understanding Forces and their Vector Components'

I was told forces are vectors so they can be divided into x and y components, but what about the normal force or the force of static friction? do you divide those into x and y components if say you had a block that was lying on an angled surface?

View full post »