Simple Constant acceleration equation but I dont get it

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a particle moving with constant acceleration, initially traveling at 5 m/s, reversing direction to move at -5 m/s over a time interval of 1 second. The goal is to determine the distance traveled during this motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of the constant acceleration equations and the interpretation of distance versus displacement. There is confusion regarding the application of time in the equations and the implications of the particle's change in direction.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the distinction between distance and displacement, while others are exploring their calculations and questioning their understanding of the fundamental concepts involved. There is no explicit consensus, but the discussion is moving towards clarifying these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions of distance and displacement, and there is mention of potential misunderstandings regarding the use of time in the equations. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their calculations and the reasoning behind them.

FireWarden
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Homework Statement



A particle moving at 5 m/s reverses its direction in 1s to move at 5 m/s in the opposite direction. If is acceleration is constant, what distance does it travel?


Homework Equations


The constant acceleration equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I use x=vot + 1/2at2 were a= (vfinal- vinitial)/t. I get the wrong answer. Something about having to plug in half the time for some reason that I don't understand. Would some one please help me out?
 
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FireWarden said:
I get the wrong answer.

Can you show us what answer you got and how?
 
I get get the answer to be distance equals 0 because i use:

vi to be 5 m/s
vf to be -5m/s
a to be -10

I plug those into the equations mentioned above. It seems to be the incorrect answer but doesn't it make sense? I must be missing fundamental here.
 
You have correctly found zero which is the displacement. However the problem is asking to find the distance. Distance is not the same as displacement. Imagine an odometer hooked up to the particle. By how much has the odometer changed when the particle has gone out and come back to where it started?
 
I got it. Thanks.

Much much karma to you.
 

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