Find total displacement of the particle in motion

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The total displacement of the particle after 4 seconds is calculated using the equation X = 3T^2 - T^3, resulting in a displacement of -16 meters. The velocity function derived is v = 6t - 3t^2, which indicates the particle changes direction at t = 2 seconds. The particle moves 4 meters to the right and then 20 meters to the left, leading to a total distance traveled of 24 meters. The distinction between total displacement and total distance is clarified, emphasizing that displacement considers the net change in position. Therefore, the total displacement is confirmed as -16 meters.
iman.f
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hello everybody,
what is the total displacement of the particle at first 4 second?

equation (x) versus (t) : X = 3T^2 - T^3 where x is in meter and t in second.

my solution is : v= 6t-3t^2 , 6t-3t^2=0 , t=2 ,

X(2)= +4 , X(4)= -16 ,: displacement of the particle at first 4 second is: -16 m

BUT I'm not sure which my answer is right. please guide me.
 
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Yes, in the first 4 seconds, the particle moved from 0 to -16 and so the displacement is -16 m.

But the wording of the problem bothers me. What is total displacement?

Since the particle moved 4 meters to the right, then -20 meters to the left, the total distance (not displacement) the particle moved is 24 meters.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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