What is Displacement: Definition and 999 Discussions

The displacement or displacement tonnage of a ship is its weight. As the term indicates, it is measured indirectly, using Archimedes' principle, by first calculating the volume of water displaced by the ship, then converting that value into weight. Traditionally, various measurement rules have been in use, giving various measures in long tons. Today, metric tonnes are more commonly used.
Ship displacement varies by a vessel's degree of load, from its empty weight as designed (known as "lightweight tonnage") to its maximum load. Numerous specific terms are used to describe varying levels of load and trim, detailed below.
Ship displacement should not be confused with measurements of volume or capacity typically used for commercial vessels and measured by tonnage: net tonnage and gross tonnage.

View More On Wikipedia.org
Recent contents Top users
  1. E

    SeniorPhysics Graded Assignment Help-Horizontal/Vertical Displacement

    Homework Statement A student is rolling a baseball off the roof of their house into their backyard pool.The house is 20 feet tall, and they roll the baseball off the flat roof at speed of 3 m/s towards the pool. How long is the ball in the air and how far away is the distance the pool must be...
  2. T

    Vector displacement Questions

    Homework Statement A ship leaves the island of Guam and sails a distance 300km at an angle 32.0∘ north of west. In which direction must it now head so that its resultant displacement will be 125km directly east of Guam? (Express your answer as an angle measured south of east) How far must it...
  3. P

    Simple Harmonic Motion: Why is acceleration positive at maximum displacement?

    For example, I have a pendulum with amplitude of 2m, when the pendulum is at a displacement of 2m, wouldn't the acceleration be negative as the restoring force is acting towards equilibrium? The equation I am taught is that maximum acceleration is (2*pi*frequency)^2 * amplitude, which is a...
  4. D

    Displacement vs time graph for a given equation of acceleration

    Homework Statement The accompanying graph of position x versus time t represents the motion of a particle. If p and q are both positive constants, the expression that best describes the acceleration a of the particle is Homework Equations (A) a = – - p – - qt (B) a = - –p + qt (C) a = p + qt...
  5. PsychonautQQ

    Understanding Angular Displacement in Weakly Damped Harmonic Oscillators

    Hey PF. This isn't a homework question and I'm hoping this is the right place to ask it, sorry if it isn't! In the case of a weakly damped harmonic oscillator driven by a sinusoidal force of the form Fe^(iwt). The form of the differential force equation of motion is then given by ma + cv +kx =...
  6. T

    Average displacement based on probability .

    I am just curious, if I happen to get average value of displacement x = 0 (as in <x> = 0), does it mean it is zero because there are equal chances of being right or left of the initial position (assuming a point moves horizontally only, to right or left of the initial postion = 0)? Then, even if...
  7. A

    Find direction from three displacement vectors?

    Consider the three displacement vectors A with arrow = (-4i hat bold − 3j hat bold) m, B with arrow = (6i hat bold − 8j hat bold) m, and C with arrow = (-3i hat bold + 5j hat bold) m. Use the component method to determine the following. (a) The magnitude and direction of the vector D arrowbold...
  8. K

    Optimized Solving Net Displacement Problem w/ Sailboat Tacking

    Homework Statement I'm have a hard time figuring out how to do this problem: A sailboat tacking against the wind moves as follows: 3.8 km at 45° east of north, 4.5 km at 55° west of north, 2 km at 45° east of north. What is the net displacement for the entire motion? How many degrees east of...
  9. P

    Finding Expected Lateral Displacement From a Risley Prism

    Homework Statement Find the expected lateral displacement for a spot of light at a power of 6^{∆}. Distance from prism to where displacement was measured (b) = 62.2cm. The following displacements (x) were measured from the power given on the knob of the prism: 3^{∆} = 1.80cm 6^{∆}...
  10. S

    Explaining usefullness of displacement and velocity

    I know the difference between distance and displacement, and speed and velocity, but I'm struggling how to explain the usefulness of displacement and velocity in the real world? For instance, our cars count the distances they travel, not displacement as one might see on a map, while airplanes...
  11. D

    Graphing Displacement Difficulties

    Homework Statement Here's a graph of displacement it wants me to make: http://s15.postimg.org/7v1x5najv/graph.png. I tried that graph in the picture as the answer but it didn't accept it. There are no numbers or specifics for Figure 1 they give you, so I'm confused on what to do. Very strange...
  12. Jackson Lee

    Relation between energy of traveling wave with displacement curve

    When waves are propagated through medium, the displacement curve will move up and down. Do they have any relationship with propagated energy? For example, when energy is gained from other part the curve will rise up or fall down. And does energy in standing waves share similar principle?
  13. P

    Displacement, Average Speed, and Average Velocity

    Okay so I don't understand how to do the displacement of distance and time on a graph. I also need help with figuring out the average speed and average velocity. The graph deals with a Turtle's journey. On the Y-axis of the graph is distance in meters and the x-axis is time in minutes. The...
  14. M

    Direction of Resultant Displacement

    Homework Statement Instructions for finding a buried treasure include the following: Go 572.7 paces at 223◦, turn to 156◦ and walk 124 paces, then travel 417 paces at 242◦ I have already found the magnitude...1015.66 paces Now I need to find the resultant displacement... What is the...
  15. B

    Displacement Vectors Homework: Magnitude & Direction

    Homework Statement An unsuspecting bird is coasting along in an easterly direction at 4.00 mph when a strong wind from the north imparts a constant acceleration of 0.300 m/s2. If the acceleration from the wind lasts for 3.50 s, find the magnitude, r, and direction, θ, of the bird\'s...
  16. N

    What is the displacement vector needed to reach a research station on a safari?

    Hello all! I've been struggling with this problem for a couple of hours and I just can't seem to wrap my head around on how to do it. Here it is: 1. On a safari, a team of naturalists sets out toward a research station located 6.49 km away in a direction 38.5 ° north of east. After traveling in...
  17. B

    Acceleration, velocity, displacement & time

    Homework Statement a = 2/(0.1v+1) At t = 0; s = 0, v = 0 1) Derive a relationship between t and v 2) Derive a relationship between displacement (s) and v 3) Draw v vs t for 0s ≤ t ≤ 75s & s vs t for 0s ≤ t ≤ 50s graphs Homework Equations a = dv / dt v = ds / dt The Attempt at...
  18. U

    Question concerning displacement and vectors

    [1] A car is driven 215 km west and then 85 km southwest. What is the displacement of the car from the point of origin (magnitude and direction)? Draw a diagram. [2] I have no idea what equations are necessary for this problem. I reread the chapter, but this problem in particular is stumping...
  19. AllenJH

    Displacement energy of atom in a liquid (for ion implantation)

    Hi Physics Forums! I'm a bit stuck here. I'm fairly sure I intuitively know the answer here, but am looking for harder proof. The following question is in regards to my current research work (materials sci/eng). Does anyone know of a discussion of the displacement energy of an atom in a...
  20. M

    Virtual displacement and D'Alembert's principle

    While deriving lagrangian equation using D'Alembert's principle, in Goldstien, they defined a variable called "virtual displacement". Why do we need a concept called virtual displacement? What is its signigicance in classical physics?
  21. V

    Small Displacement High RPM Engines

    I'm looking into buying an E34 530i with a smaller 3 liter V8 compared the the 540 4.4 liter V8. A lot of people online say buying a 530 is pointless when you can get the same car with more displacement and more power. I think that's ridiculous since displacement is only 1 of many ways to make...
  22. K

    Determining Displacement Using Vector Components

    Homework Statement This problem has had me puzzled for hours. I really appreciate any help you can provide. A light plane leaves Shelburne, NS and flies 195km [N15°W] to Saint John, NB. After picking up a passenger, it flies to Moncton, NB which is 149km [N33°E]. The entire trip took...
  23. K

    Determining Displacement, Adding Vectors

    Homework Statement I've been stuck on this problem for hours. Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. From a lookout point, a hiker sees a small lake ahead of her. In order to get around it, she walks 4.5km in a straight line toward the end of the lake. She turns right making...
  24. M

    Displacement word problem grade 11

    [b]1. while driving a lady sees a cat run on the road and it takes her 0.80s to react and put her foot on the brake. her car is traveling 25 m/s. (a)how far will the car travel before she puts her foot on the brake and (b) if when the brake is applied the car decelerates at a uniform rate of 9.3...
  25. Greg Bernhardt

    What is the electric displacement field

    Definition/Summary The electric displacement field in a material is defined thus, \mathbf{D}=\varepsilon_0\mathbf{E}+\mathbf{P} where \varepsilon_0 is the permittivity of free space, \mathbf{E} is the electric field, and \mathbf{P} is the polarisation density of the electric material...
  26. Greg Bernhardt

    Definition of Displacement: Change in Position

    Definition/Summary Displacement is change in position (of the same thing). For example, in the physics of vibrations and stress, the displacement of each point in the material is the vector from its "natural" position to its present position. And in mechanics, work done is force "dot"...
  27. A

    Displacement current and galvanometer

    Dear All, I have a doubt whether galvanometer detects displacement currents due to time varying electric field or not?please let me know,if anybody have an idea about this. Regards Arvind
  28. E

    Magnetic field from the displacement current of a charging sphere

    Homework Statement The problem is #1 given here: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-311-electromagnetic-theory-spring-2004/assignments/ps1.pdf And there is a solution publicly available here...
  29. Solibelus

    Deriving the displacement of an object

    Hi, I'm trying to derive the displacement of an object with proper acceleration (constant) α. t is our laboratory time. The goal: x(t) = {1 \over α} [ \sqrt{1+α^2t^2} -1 ] How to approach this? :( Note for anyone who's wondering: no, this is not homework...
  30. S

    High capacity pneumatic positive displacement pump

    I need to find a high capacity (60-90 gpm) pneumatic pump that is able to pump 2.8 cP (fairly low viscosity) dirty water reliably. there's no need to worry about discharge pressure or suction head, because the level in the vessel provides plenty of head pressure. I had a vendor propose a...
  31. S

    Solving for Displacement when Jamilla Throws a Stone

    Jamilla throws a stone horizontally off of a pier into the ocean at a velocity of 20 m/s. If the stone is 40.0 m from the edge of the pier when it hits the water, how high above the water's surface was the stone when Jamilla threw it? Vf= 20m/s Vi= 0m/s a=9.8m/s2 Δd= 40m Δd=...
  32. FilupSmith

    Displacement of a Particle: Investigating Complex Values in Equations

    A few months ago, I stumped my Mathematics teacher with a question when we were learning about displacement of a particle, given a formula. For example, ##x=t^{2}-t-1##, where x is in meters and t is in seconds. Anyway, she made it very clear how to solve displacement when given time t...
  33. A

    Work done = force x displacement?

    When two people have three candies each, the total number of candies is six, 2x3=6. So what does multiplication imply when we say work done = force x displacement? I know it's a dot product and the force is in the direction of the displacement.
  34. PhysicsStudnt

    Acceleration - Displacement Graph

    In terms of calculus, How do i prove that the area under the acceleration time graph gives me the change in KE / mass... Attempt at solution... Area under the graph of a function y = f(x) is given by ∫y dx Therefore area under acceleration displacement graph is ∫a ds (considering the...
  35. G

    Find total displacement of an automobile

    Homework Statement An automobile travels in a straight line for 10 seconds at 20 m/s than accelerates uniformly to a speed of 30 m/s in the next 10 seconds. Find the total displacement. Homework Equations d = 1/2(v0+v)t The Attempt at a Solution v0 = 20 m/s v = 30 m/s t =...
  36. C

    Displacement and Velocity Question

    Hi guys, Would really appreciate your thoughts on the question below. Homework Statement An object moves in a straight line and its displacement s at time t is given by -6t6-4t4+2. What is the velocity of the object at time t=7? Give the answer to the nearest whole number. The...
  37. N

    Normal traction and displacement for pin-hole problem

    Consider a circular pin-in-a-hole problem in two dimensions. Let the plate containing the hole be infinite so that the dimensions of the circular pin are very small compared to the plate. The conditions of plane stress be assumed everywhere. Also, let the pin be loaded with a force applied at...
  38. J

    Projectile Motion- How to Calculate Displacement

    Homework Statement I am wanting to calculate the Displacement of a projectile when it is launched at various angles, however all I have is the Initial velocity and the acceleration due to gravity. The Attempt at a Solution first attempted to approach this by calculating the horizontal...
  39. K

    Equation of variation of displacement and pressure of sound wave

    Homework Statement i have attached the notes from 2 books below, i know that the graph of pressure of sound waves lag behind the displacement grpah by 90 degree. so it should be p=p max sin (wt-kx-(pi/2)) am i right? why the another book gives p=p max sin (wt-kx+(pi/2)) ? which is correct...
  40. steves1080

    Question on positive displacement piston pumps

    This is a very simple question but I am struggling to grasp the answer. My question is in regards to a positive displacement piston pump. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0d/Axial_piston_pump.svg/686px-Axial_piston_pump.svg.png Say you are using this machine to pump...
  41. V

    Understanding the Difference between Displacement and Distance in Kinematics

    I am quite confused between displacement and distance . Suppose a particle travels along a semi circular path or radius 3 m with a constant speed 5 m/s starting from one end of the diameter A and ending at the opposite end B . Origin is at the center of the circular path. Case 1) Let the...
  42. R

    Relation between angular displacement and tension.

    Hello guys, Iam doing a project to find the tension of timing belt using a dial gauge indicator(consists of plunger and gear attached to it ie;rack and pinion mechanism) ,but i can't find a formula relating the displacement of the pointer and the tension (eg: 5° of dislplacement of pointer =...
  43. R

    Formula relating angular displacement and tension.

    Hello guys, Iam doing a project to find the tension of timing belt using a dial gauge indicator,but i can't find a formula relating the displacement of the pointer and the tension (eg: 5 deg of dislplacement of pointer = 10 units of tension).Please help me...
  44. T

    Mechanics: Displacement Vector

    Homework Statement Consider the vector r(t)= (1-t)i + (3+2t)j + (t-4)k which depends on scalar parameter t. For which t0 is the length of r(t0) minimal? Homework Equations Equations of motion The Attempt at a Solution So I approached this question by saying the length would be...
  45. S

    Power of constant force for a given displacement

    Homework Statement An object is subject to a constant force of known magnitude, starting the motion from y = 0 , and with zero initial velocity. Calculate the power developed by the force during the motion of the object from y= 0 to y = 1.5, and at y=1.5m , v = 8 m/s. Homework Equations...
  46. T

    Clock, calculate displacement, avg. velocity, avg. acceleration.

    Homework Statement A clock has a 20 cm minute hand. From the 6 PM mark to the 9 PM mark, for the tip of the minute hand, calculate: a. the displacement vector in unit-vector notation. b. the average velocity vector in unit-vector notation. c. the average acceleration vector in unit-vector...
  47. M

    Rocker Output-Two Positions with Angular Displacement

    This is a example from Robert L. Norton's books on machinery: "Design a fourbar Grashof crank-rocker to give 45° of rocker rotation with equal time forward and back, from a constant speed motor input. Solution 1)Draw the output link O4B in both extreme positions, B1 and B2 in any convenient...
  48. S

    Wave- displacement for a point

    Homework Statement A wave on a string has a wave function with the form of: y(x,t)=0.02sin(6.35x+2.63t) Find the shortest time for the displacement of the string at any point on the chain changes from 0.01m to -0.02m. The Attempt at a Solution The answer said we can set x=0. And...
  49. B

    Displacement of a wave: Understanding Negative Results

    Hi, I don't understand why I keep getting a negative result... Homework Statement The displacement (in metres) of a wave is given according to y = 0.26 sin(πt − 3.7πx), where t is in seconds and x is in metres, What is the displacement y when t = 38 [s] and x = 13 [m] ...
  50. Q

    Simple Harmonic Motion Displacement

    Homework Statement A particle is in simple harmonic motion with period T and with position as a function of time given by x(t) = A cos(wt+ø). At time t = 0 the particle is at x = A/2 with positive velocity. The next time it is at the same position is ___? Homework Equations...
Back
Top