Kinematics help-determining distance traveled

If we subtract these, we get d4 - d3 = 1/2 a (42 - 32) = 1/2 a 12 = 6a. This is the distance traveled from 3 to 4 seconds. The other answer choices do not match this pattern, so they are not possible distances traveled by the particle. In summary, the distance traveled by the particle during each consecutive second would be 6a, where a is the acceleration rate.
  • #1
Violagirl
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Homework Statement


A particle starts from rest and travels in a straight line for 4 s. If the particle is accelerating at a constant rate, which of the following could be the distances traveled by the particle during each consecutive second?

A) 10 m, 20 m, 30 m, 40 m

B) 5 m, 15 m, 25 m, 35 m

C) 5 m, 25 m, 125 m , 625 m

D) 2 m, 4 m, 8 m, 16 m




Homework Equations


d = v0t + 1/2at2

The Attempt at a Solution



So I know from the information given in the question, we know the particle starts at rest, and v0 would equal 0. Because of this, we are left with:

d = 1/2at2
If I plug in 4, we'd get:
d = 4a

So based on this information, I thought the particle would be traveling 4 times more the distance per second. However, none of the answers choices above matched for how I thought about the equation that I'm left with. Any input would be appreciated!
 
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  • #2
The distance traveled in a second is the difference between the position before and after the second goes by. So, for instance, between 3 and 4 seconds the particle travels from d3 = 1/2 a 32 to d4 = 1/2 a 42.
 

FAQ: Kinematics help-determining distance traveled

How do I calculate the distance traveled using kinematics?

In kinematics, the distance traveled can be calculated by multiplying the average velocity by the time traveled. The formula for distance is d = vt, where d is distance, v is velocity, and t is time.

Is the distance traveled the same as displacement in kinematics?

No, distance traveled refers to the total length of the path taken by an object, while displacement refers to the straight-line distance between the initial and final positions of an object. Displacement can be equal to, greater than, or less than the distance traveled.

What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time, while instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment in time. Average velocity gives the overall description of an object's motion, while instantaneous velocity gives the exact speed and direction at a particular point in time.

Can kinematics be used to determine the distance traveled for non-uniform motion?

Yes, kinematics can be used to determine the distance traveled for both uniform and non-uniform motion. In non-uniform motion, the average velocity is calculated by finding the slope of the position-time graph at a specific interval, and then using the formula d = vt to determine the distance traveled.

What other factors besides velocity and time can affect the distance traveled in kinematics?

In addition to velocity and time, other factors that can affect the distance traveled in kinematics include acceleration, initial velocity, and any changes in direction or speed. These factors can change the overall motion of an object and therefore impact the distance traveled.

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