Finding equation of the position

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The discussion revolves around finding the position equation of a particle based on its velocity versus time graph. Participants clarify that the position can be derived by integrating the velocity function, which is expressed as V(t) = 12 - 4t. The integration leads to the position equation X(t) = 12t - 2t² + C, where C represents the initial position, x0 = 10 m. There is also emphasis on using the area under the velocity graph to determine displacement between specific time intervals. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of integrating the velocity function to accurately find the position of the particle.
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Homework Statement


hi everyone ,, this is my last question before exam :

1) The figure shows the velocity versus time graph. If a particle starts motion at t=0.0
from x0 = 10.0 m:
a) Write the equation describing the position of the particle as a function of time t.
b) What are the positions of the particle at t= 2 s and t = 4 s.?
c) What is the position of the particle at the instant when it momentarily stops?
d) Find the distance and displacement of the particle between t = 2 s and t = 5 s.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that a=0 ,, and at t=0 > x=10m and at the same time Vo=12 m/s ,, and the velocity is decreasing so I made this equation :x=10-12t but the problem at t=0 Vo=0 and when I apply x(3) I don't get 18m which it's what i have to get by the graph .. can someone tell me what to do to get the equation ..?
 

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Consider how you find displacement from a velocity time graph.

If V = dX/dt, then isn't

X = ∫ V dt ?

And if you integrate V on your graph, what is the easiest way to do that?

Can you think of something that rhymes with area?
 
LowlyPion said:
Consider how you find displacement from a velocity time graph.

If V = dX/dt, then isn't

X = ∫ V dt ?

And if you integrate V on your graph, what is the easiest way to do that?

Can you think of something that rhymes with area?
I didn't understand you quite well ,, I tried by doing X = ∫ V dt from x(0,3) x=18 and i get v=6 m/s ,, and from x(0,5) v=2 m/s but the problem is at x(0,0) I should get x=10 and I don't get it,, V changes ...
 
Lord Dark said:
I didn't understand you quite well ,, I tried by doing X = ∫ V dt from x(0,3) x=18 and i get v=6 m/s ,, and from x(0,5) v=2 m/s but the problem is at x(0,0) I should get x=10 and I don't get it,, V changes ...

Xo is the constant of integration isn't it?
 
yea Xo is constant ,, should I include it in the integral or X = Xo + ∫ V dt ??
and BTW when i integrate ∫ V dt ,, I'll get Vt right ??
 
Lord Dark said:
yea Xo is constant ,, should I include it in the integral or X = Xo + ∫ V dt ??

V(t) = 12 - 4t isn't it?

So ∫ V(t) dt = ∫ (12 - 4t) dt = X(t)

That means that X(t) = 12t - 1/2*4*t2 + C

Where C = Xo
 
aha ,, so that what you meant X = ∫ V ,, I didn't know that first I should get V(t) equation then integrate .. thanks very much :D
 
Lord Dark said:
aha ,, so that what you meant X = ∫ V ,, I didn't know that first I should get V(t) equation then integrate .. thanks very much :D

You can also solve through visual inspection, by simply calculating the area under the curve. Each square represents 4 m.
 

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