1. What is the Distance Equation?

The distance equation calculates the displacement of an object under constant acceleration. It's derived from the equations of motion and is fundamental in physics for analyzing object movement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the distance equation:

Where:

• \( d \) — Distance/displacement (m)
• \( a \) — Acceleration (m/s²)
• \( t \) — Time (s)
• \( v \) — Initial velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation calculates the total distance traveled by an object under constant acceleration, accounting for both its initial velocity and the acceleration over time.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: This calculation is essential in physics, engineering, and various real-world applications such as vehicle braking distance, projectile motion, and motion planning in robotics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter acceleration in m/s², time in seconds, and initial velocity in m/s. Time must be a positive value. All values can be positive, negative, or zero depending on the direction of motion.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does negative acceleration mean?
A: Negative acceleration (deceleration) indicates the object is slowing down in the positive direction or speeding up in the negative direction.

Q2: Can initial velocity be negative?
A: Yes, negative initial velocity indicates motion in the opposite direction of the chosen positive reference frame.

Q3: What if acceleration is zero?
A: When acceleration is zero, the equation simplifies to d = v × t, representing uniform motion.

Q4: Does this equation work for variable acceleration?
A: No, this equation assumes constant acceleration. For variable acceleration, integration methods are required.

Q5: What's the difference between distance and displacement?
A: Distance is the total path length traveled, while displacement is the straight-line distance between start and end points with direction.