Calculating displacement from velocity-time graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating displacement from a velocity-time graph, emphasizing that displacement equals the area under the graph. The formula provided is d = LxW + (BxH)/2 + (BxH)/2, where L, W, B, and H represent specific dimensions of the graph's geometric shapes. A key point raised is the treatment of negative velocity, which requires subtracting the area corresponding to negative values from the total area calculated for positive velocity. This approach ensures accurate displacement measurement over the entire time interval.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic kinematics concepts
  • Familiarity with area calculation techniques for geometric shapes
  • Knowledge of velocity-time graph interpretation
  • Ability to analyze positive and negative values in mathematical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of area under curves in physics
  • Learn about integrating functions to find displacement
  • Explore examples of velocity-time graphs with both positive and negative velocities
  • Review kinematic equations and their applications in real-world scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those tackling kinematics and graph analysis, as well as educators seeking to clarify displacement calculations from velocity-time graphs.

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Homework Statement


Basically they want me to find the displacement for the entire time interval on this graph.
The graph is in the attachment.



Homework Equations


Displacement is equal to the area under the graph. In this case d=LxW+(BxH)/2+(BxH)/2


The Attempt at a Solution


My attempted solution is included in the graph. I understand how to do these, my only problem is that I'm not sure what to do with the negative velocity. All the examples in my textbook only deal with positive velocity on problems like this one. I have the area of figure 3 but I'm not sure if I have to include the entire area under the line in figure 1 or just the positive part. With figure two I'm also not sure what to do.
 

Attachments

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    scan0001.jpg
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The areas you need lie in between the velocity curve and the x-axis. The only area you have drawn in your attachment that doesn't need rethinking is area #3. For a negative velocity you just subtract that area from the area you calculate for the positive velocity.
 

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