# Total distance of a particle

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1. Feb 23, 2015

### Austin

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
a particle's position is represented parametrically by x=t^2-3 and y=(2/3)t^3

Find the total distance traveled by the particle from t= 0 to 5

2. Relevant equations
Can't think of any

3. The attempt at a solution
I cannot think of a way to do it keeping it in terms of t. All I could do was convert the original equations to Cartesian and evaluate the difference from t=0 to 5 which in terms of x is -3 to 22.

Last edited: Feb 23, 2015
2. Feb 23, 2015

### LCKurtz

Look in your text for the formula for arc length of a parametric curve $\vec R(t) = \langle x(t),y(t)\rangle$.

3. Feb 23, 2015

### Austin

Ok thanks I was not thinking of arc length for some reason. I got 87.72 as the total distance can that be verified as correct?

4. Feb 23, 2015

### Austin

Also, just as a side question, in this problem what if it asked for net distance instead of total distance, I was just trying to conceptualize that. In this case the net distance would be equal to the total distance correct? When would there be a vector situation where the net distance would not equal the total distance?

5. Feb 23, 2015

### Austin

Actually, how would you even define net distance for a vector situation like this? I kind of confused myself now

6. Feb 23, 2015

### LCKurtz

You will have to show your work to get it checked. I get a different answer so one of us is wrong. Also note that $\int_a^b|\vec V(t)|~dt$ is always positive as long as $a<b$ so there is no need to talk about "net" distance.

7. Feb 23, 2015

### Austin

It would be the integral from 0 to 5 of squareroot of (dx/dt)^2+(dy/dt)^2 right? So integral from 0 to 5 of squareroot of ( (2t)^2 + (2t^2)^2) dt right?

8. Feb 24, 2015

### LCKurtz

That's right. And this morning, I agree with your answer. Must have had a mistake last night.