Displacement close displacementA distance measured in a specified direction. is the distance moved in a straight line, in a given direction, from the starting point. Displacement = 24 m east. Velocity ...

This is a classic introductory physics problem. Basically, you have a cart on a frictionless track (call this m 1) with a string that runs over a pulley to another mass hanging below (call this m 2).

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about physics, science, academia, and pop culture. This helps, sort of, but as more numbers get thrown around, it can get ...