Displacement of a Train Traveler from New York to Boston: Physics Definition

In physics, displacement is a vector — the straight-line change in position from origin to destination, regardless of path taken.

For NYC → Boston by Train

• Initial position (xᵢ): New York City (e.g., Penn Station, 40.7505° N, 73.9934° W).
• Final position (x_f): Boston (e.g., South Station, 42.3523° N, 71.0552° W).
• Straight-line distance: ~295 km (183 mi) northeast.
• Direction: ~55° east of north (bearing ~055°).

Displacement Vector

Δx = x_f − xᵢ = 183 mi at 055° (NE)

Contrast: Distance Traveled

• Train route (Northeast Corridor): ~360 km (224 mi) — follows coast, curves through CT/RI.
• Driving (I-95/I-84): ~350 km (215 mi).
• Path length ≠ displacement magnitude.

Key Point

Displacement depends only on endpoints. Whether by train, plane, car, or teleportation — if you start at Penn Station and end at South Station, your displacement is identical: 183 miles northeast.