Displacement on a Position vs. Time Graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement of a runner using a position vs. time graph. The specific time interval analyzed is from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, with position values of 3000 meters and 3500 meters, respectively. The correct displacement calculation involves subtracting the initial position (3000 m) from the final position (3400 m), resulting in a displacement of 400 meters. A common mistake noted was misreading the position value at 20 minutes, which was clarified to be 3400 meters instead of 3500 meters.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of position vs. time graphs
  • Basic knowledge of displacement and distance
  • Ability to perform unit conversions (from kilometers to meters)
  • Familiarity with interpreting graph data points
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the concept of displacement in physics
  • Learn how to interpret position vs. time graphs effectively
  • Study the differences between distance and displacement
  • Practice problems involving displacement calculations using graphs
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics, as well as educators looking for examples of displacement calculations using graphical data.

greenwave
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Homework Statement


The graph is of a runner-
time(min) is the x
position(x1000 m) is the y
these are the points
0,0
10,3
20,3.5
30,4.5

The question is- For the time interval between 10 min and 20
min, what is the runner’s displacement?
Answer in units of m



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The position for 10 min is 3000 and the position for 20 is 3500. I subtracted 3500 from 3000 to get 500, what i thought would be the displacement. This is not the answer however and i don't know any other way to work out this problem. Help is appreciated, thanks!
 
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Hmmm... I think you are correct unless this is a funny question. If this was an online question, did you enter the units?
 
Turns out it was 20,3.4 and not 3.5. Thanks though
 

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