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)
• \( v_i \) — Initial velocity (m/s)
• \( t \) — Time (s)
• \( a \) — Acceleration (m/s²)

Explanation: This 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 motion analysis, projectile trajectory calculation, and mechanical system design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial velocity in m/s, time in seconds, and acceleration in m/s². 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) means 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 defined positive axis.

Q3: What if acceleration is zero?
A: If acceleration is zero, the equation simplifies to d = v_i × t, representing constant velocity motion.

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

Q5: How is this different from average velocity × time?
A: This equation gives exact displacement under constant acceleration, while average velocity × time would require calculating the average velocity first.