Yes, there can be displacement of an object in the absence of any force acting on it. If a single force acts on an object, the object accelerates. If an object accelerates, a force is acting on it.
Suppose an object is moving with constant velocity. The net force acting on it is zero. But, there is a displacement along with the motion of the object. Hence, there can be a displacement without a force.
We know that
F = m × a
- Since m cannot be zero, and when force F = 0, then acceleration a = 0.
- In such a condition, either the object is at rest (not moving) or in uniform motion in a straight line.
- In the following case, there exists a displacement of the object without any force acting on it.
- Hence, an object can have a displacement in the absence of any external force acting on it.