How do I find the distance traveled if I know the acceleration and time?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the distance traveled given acceleration and time, focusing on the relationship between these variables in a physics context. Participants explore the formula for distance and seek clarification on its correctness.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the formula for distance is D = A * T^2.
  • Others challenge this by stating that the correct formula should be (A * T^2) / 2.
  • A participant provides a numerical example using acceleration and time to illustrate the calculation of distance.
  • There are references to external resources for further clarification, although the links provided are questioned for their accessibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct formula for distance, with competing views presented regarding the relationship between acceleration, time, and distance.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the validity of external links and their content, which may affect the discussion's clarity. There is also a lack of consensus on the assumptions underlying the formulas discussed.

vbman11
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so if A is the acceleration
and T is time
and D is distance
then

D = A * T^2

right?
 
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vbman11 said:
I was looking for a quick check to make sure I'm right... so yes or no?

Please look at the link. The answer is right there in a big box on the front page.
 
Sry bud you just sent me a link to a page that contains an HTML frame. go ahead and try that link out for yourself and see. It'll just show the home page.
 
vbman11 said:
Sry bud you just sent me a link to a page that contains an HTML frame. go ahead and try that link out for yourself and see. It'll just show the home page.

Oopsies. I didn't realize the link didn't follow me down a couple of click levels. I'll have to figure out how to fix that.

In the mean time, just click on Mechanics, and then on Velocity & Acceleration.

Does that work okay?
 
vbman11 said:
so if A is the acceleration
and T is time
and D is distance
then

D = A * T^2

right?
Nope, it's (A *T^2 )/2

So 9 seconds and 32 f/s (1g) would cover about one quarter mile, 1320 feet.
32*81=2592, divide by 2=1296 feet. A true quarter mile would be about 9.08 seconds.

73 Berkeman, AI3N here. 2 meters, 70 cm, 20/30/40/80 voice mainly. Antenna blew down, need one of those air powered potato guns to get the dipole back in the trees!
 
Last edited:

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