How Do You Calculate Total Displacement in Multi-Stage Motion Problems?

In summary, the particle starts from rest and moves for 10 seconds with an acceleration of 2 m/s^2. For the next 20 seconds, the acceleration is -1.2 m/s^2. To find the displacement at the end of 30 seconds, we can use the kinematic equations and draw a graph of the motion. From the graph, we can see that the displacement of part A is 100 m and part B is 20 m. Using the equation vf=at+v0, we can find the velocity needed for part C, which is the final velocity of part B. This velocity can then be used to find the displacement of part C.
  • #1
TheGeek
1
0

Homework Statement


A). A particle starts from rest and moves for 10 s with an acceleration of 2 m/s^2.
B). For the next 20 s, the acceleration of the particle is -1.2 m/s^2.
C). What is the displacement of the particle at the end of the 30 s.

2. Homework Equations

Kinematic equations

The Attempt at a Solution


hhqf3mW

I was able to find the Displacement of A = 100 m and B = 20 m
However I can't find the Displacement of C because I don't know how to find the last acceleration or V-final

Thank You.
 
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  • #2
Draw a graph of the motion and from there you can see how to get the answer.

From part B you can get the velocity needed for part C. Remember vf=at+v0 where v0 is from part A
 
  • #3
TheGeek said:
B = 20 m
How did you get that?
jedishrfu said:
From part B you can get the velocity needed for part C
Did you mean "From part A you can get the velocity needed for part B"?
 
  • #4
Yes, it's a chained problem right? So the results of A with ##v_{Afinal}## and ##d_{Afinal}## are inputs to part B. and the results of ##v_{Bfinal}## and ##d_{Bfinal}## are inputs to C.
 

What is the displacement?

Displacement is the measure of an object's change in position in a specific direction. It is a vector quantity that takes into account both the magnitude and direction of the change in position.

How is displacement different from distance?

Distance is a scalar quantity that measures the total length of the path an object travels, while displacement is a vector quantity that measures the change in position from the starting point to the ending point.

How is displacement calculated?

Displacement can be calculated by subtracting the initial position of an object from its final position. This can be represented mathematically as: displacement (Δx) = final position (xf) - initial position (xi).

What are some common units of measurement for displacement?

Displacement can be measured in a variety of units, including meters (m), feet (ft), kilometers (km), miles (mi), and centimeters (cm). It is important to use the correct unit of measurement based on the scale of the object being measured.

Can displacement be negative?

Yes, displacement can be negative if an object's final position is behind its initial position. This indicates that the object has moved in the opposite direction of the positive direction chosen. However, displacement is a vector quantity, so the negative sign only indicates direction and does not affect the magnitude of the displacement.

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