Distance formula and addition of meters per s

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on understanding the distance formula for constant acceleration, specifically the equation d = (Vi + Vf)/2 * t, where d represents distance, Vi is initial velocity, Vf is final velocity, and t is time. A user illustrates confusion regarding the addition of distances traveled each second while considering constant acceleration. The correct approach involves applying the formula for each one-second interval, recognizing that acceleration is a continuous process rather than occurring only at the end of each second. This clarification resolves the discrepancy in calculated distances.

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  • Familiarity with the equations of motion for constant acceleration.
  • Knowledge of initial and final velocity definitions.
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering the concepts of motion and acceleration in kinematics.

booga
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Hello guys.

I have issues understanding a rather simple physics concept and I hope you can help me out. I've tried asking help from several people, but nobody was able to isolate the problem.
For constant acceleration, it is said that d=(Vi+Vf)/2*t. d being distance, Vi is initial velocity, Vf is final velocity and t is time of the travel.

The problem occurs when I try to add - what seems intuitively for me atleast - the distance of object traveled each second with the added velocity from the constant acceleration.

An example, object starts at 10m/s and after 10 seconds reach a velocity of 20m/s.
150 = (10+20)/2*10, and (20-10)/10 = 1, so acceleration is 1m/s/s.

Now when I try to add the distance traveled of each second over a duration of 10 seconds, I get 10+11+12+13+14+15+16+17+18+19 = 145. I don't add 20 because to my understanding the object doesn't actually travel any seconds with 20m/s, it merely reaches that velocity after going a full second at 19m/s.

So I can't the results to match each other, only if I do something like (10+19)/2*10.
 
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booga said:
Now when I try to add the distance traveled of each second over a duration of 10 seconds, I get 10+11+12+13+14+15+16+17+18+19 = 145.
Use the same formula for each 1-second interval that you used for the 10-second interval:
In the first second, d = (10 + 11)/2 * 1 = 10.5 (not 10). And so on, for each interval.
 
I see. So just to pinpoint where my intuition is wrong; that by adding the way I did, I assumed the acceleration only occurs after each second. It's more of a constant "push" toward the object, that happens during the seconds itself.

Thanks for the help.
 

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