Help with an acceleration graph problem.

[FabioTTT]

I can't for the life of me figure this out. The question is, based on this graph, determine the total distance the particle traveled during the first 20 seconds.

http://seminario.no-ip.com/graph.gif

I graphed the velocity graph just fine based on the acceleration graph. but the position graph is a little trickier. Can anyone help me out?

 

[Doc Al]

I assume you are given the initial velocity? The motion is three periods of constant acceleration: 0 to 10 seconds, 10 to 15 seconds, and 15 to 20 seconds. Do it step by step, one period at a time.

 

[FabioTTT]

thanks Doc Al. I did this, dividing the three regions of the velocity graph and calculated the area beneath each of those regions. I came up with 215 meters but the online assignment checker counted it as wrong so I am a little confused.

 

[needhelpperson]

what's the initial velocity?

 

[Doc Al]

thanks Doc Al. I did this, dividing the three regions of the velocity graph and calculated the area beneath each of those regions. I came up with 215 meters but the online assignment checker counted it as wrong so I am a little confused.

Two things to do. (1) If you are familiar with the kinematic equations (such as x = x_0 + v_0 t + 1/2 a t^2) you can just calculate the distance as a double check of your work. (2) You can show us your velocity graph and we can take a look at how you solved this.