Position Examples in Physics
Start with the recap, study the fully worked examples, then use the practice problems to check your understanding of Position.
This page combines explanation, solved examples, and follow-up practice so you can move from recognition to confident problem-solving in Physics.
Concept Recap
The location of an object relative to a reference point, described using coordinates.
Where something is, described by numbers from some starting point.
Read the full concept explanation →How to Use These Examples
- Read the first worked example with the solution open so the structure is clear.
- Try the practice problems before revealing each solution.
- Use the related concepts and background knowledge badges if you feel stuck.
What to Focus On
Core idea: Position is always relative—you must specify 'relative to what'.
Common stuck point: Position is not absolute; it depends on your chosen reference frame.
Worked Examples
Example 1
easyAn object starts at position x = 3 \text{ m} and moves to x = 11 \text{ m} along a straight line. What is the object's displacement?
Solution
- 1 Position is a specific location on a coordinate axis. The initial position is x_i = 3 \text{ m} and the final position is x_f = 11 \text{ m}.
- 2 Displacement is the change in position: \Delta x = x_f - x_i = 11 - 3 = 8 \text{ m}
- 3 The displacement is 8 \text{ m} in the positive direction.
Answer
\Delta x = 8 \text{ m}
Position describes where an object is located relative to a chosen origin. Displacement is the change in position and is independent of the path taken between the two positions.
Example 2
mediumA particle's position is given by x(t) = 4t^2 - 2t + 1 (in meters, with t in seconds). What is the particle's position at t = 0 \text{ s} and t = 3 \text{ s}? What is the displacement between these times?
Practice Problems
Try these problems on your own first, then open the solution to compare your method.
Example 1
mediumAn ant walks from position x = -5 \text{ m} to x = 7 \text{ m}, then back to x = 2 \text{ m}. What is the total distance traveled and the final displacement from the starting point?
Example 2
hardA particle's position is x(t) = t^3 - 6t^2 + 9t (meters). At what times is the particle at position x = 0? What is the velocity at each of those times?