- #1
grzz
- 1,006
- 15
- Homework Statement
- Is area under a velocity-time graph a distance or displacement?
- Relevant Equations
- Velocity = rate of change of displacement with time.
I think the area required is a displacement.
The area under a curve is always, by definition, a positive number. If a curve crosses the ##x## axis, then the total area between the curve and ##x## axis is the sum of all the separate areas.grzz said:Homework Statement:: Is area under a velocity-time graph a distance or displacement?
Relevant Equations:: Velocity = rate of change of displacement with time.
I think the area required is a displacement.
Not necessarily. You can take an area below the ##x## axis to be negative, without relying on integration.grzz said:Hence such a question makes sense only to students who are familiar with integration. Am I correct to say this?
If we are talking about a velocity-time graph, then velocity is negative below the time axis. And displacement is negative. That is nothing to do with integration.grzz said:A student who knows about integration will not ask why the area can be negative while one who does not know about integration will ask why the area below the x axis is negative. What answer can I give him then?