What is the total distance traveled during the time interval?

  • Thread starter Thread starter nbroyle1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Distance traveled
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 5K views
nbroyle1
Messages
43
Reaction score
0
An object moves with constant acceleration 3.60 m/s2 and over a time interval reaches a final velocity of 12.4 m/s.

(a) If its initial velocity is 6.2 m/s, what is its displacement during the time interval?
(b) What is the distance it travels during this interval?
(c) If its initial velocity is −6.2 m/s, what is its displacement during the time interval?
(d) What is the total distance it travels during the interval in part (c)?

I have already solve parts a, b, and c. For some reason d is tricking me though. is total distance different than distance traveled in part b??
a-15.99m
b-15.99m
c-15.93
d-?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Yes, the distance traveled in d is different than the distance traveled in b, the object travels a certain distance backwards in d since the initial velocity is negative.
 
The standard kinematic equations always give displacement. When initial velocity is opposite to acceleration, particle will stop some time in future and then reverse its direction. If the time considered is less than time of stopping then distance will be same as the disp, but when time involved is greater than the time of stopping then you should calculate in two steps:
Displacement while stopping and displacement from stopping to the time considered. Add them and get the answer.