Have you ever wondered the difference between displacement and trajectory? Do you think it can be two terms with the same meaning? The truth is that it is not like that, because each concept has its definition and its variants, but if you still do not know the differences between these two words well, do not worry.
Next, from a HOWTO, we reveal you what is the difference between displacement and trajectory and we offer you the complete definition of both concepts so that you better understand how to use them. Take note!
What is displacement
We call displacement the distance between a starting position and a final position rooted in a movement. To put it more simply, we will say that it is the space that exists between a point A and a point B (for example, between our home and work). This void called displacement is always measured with an imaginary straight line from the starting point to the ending point.
It is also necessary to clarify that the length of the displacement will always be constituted by the distance between the beginning and the end. This interval, where time intervenes and which involves going from one axis to another, is known as the displacement modulus.
In short, displacement is a vector quantity, which means that it has a direction and a sense, in addition to the aforementioned modulus. So if you want to represent an offset, just draw a straight line from a starting point to an ending point; In this way, you will be able to structure in a more detailed way the action of movement and the distance traveled by a person or object.
What is the trajectory
When we speak of trajectory, we refer to the path that a body follows, living or inert, while it is in motion. To simplify it with an example, we could say that it is all the way from the start point to the end point; every centimeter, meter or kilometer through trails or streets that you walk to go, for example, from your home to work.
In this way, a trajectory will always maintain two variants: one where its direction remains in a straight line and another where it becomes a curve, which is why these two possible movements of the trajectory are called rectilinear and curvilinear. In the latter, fully circular paths are also possible.
If we dig a little deeper, you will see that the trajectory is made up of a locus, that is, that the positions through which the objects pass become successive and depend directly on a reference system, that is, on a point isolated from the path that serves as the location point. Let’s see a graphic example:
What is the difference between displacement and trajectory
After having covered the concepts of trajectory and displacement, we can make a clear comparison between both terms and see how they differ. As we have seen, displacement is the distance marked by a straight line that an inert or living body travels, while the trajectory is the entire route or the route that the object takes to get from a starting point to a final one.
Another difference between displacement and distance traveled is that when the object in question begins to move, there may be variables in the path, but never in the displacement. To exemplify, imagine that you have to go from a starting point (your house) to an end point (work). At the beginning of the tour, you can choose between going down one street or another, crossing or continuing in a straight line, dodging some obstacles, etc. Consequently, you will be modifying your trajectory (the way to go) but never the displacementsince the starting point and the ending point will remain the same.
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