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change in position of an object from a fixed reference point.

. It is generally stated which is the reference point, or it is clear from context. In the case of a simple harmonic oscillator, the displacement is usually the change in position of the oscillator from its equilibrium position.In problems involving work, the displacement is the change in position from an indicated prior position, usually one where the object is at rest.

Displacement is a vector quantity, having both magnitude and direction.