The vector acceleration A has two components A x and A y given by: (acceleration along the y axis only) A x = 0 and A y = - g = - 9.8 m/s 2 At time t, the velocity has two components given by V x = V 0 cos(θ) and V y = V 0 sin(θ) - g t The displacement is a vector with the components x and y given by: x = V 0 cos(θ) t and y = y 0 + V 0 sin. You end up with time squared in the denominator because you divide velocity by time. In other words, acceleration is the rate at which your velocity changes, because rates have time in the denominator. For acceleration, you see units of meters per second 2, centimeters per second 2, miles per second 2, feet per second 2, or even kilometers per. About Speed Distance Time Calculator. This online calculator tool can be a great help for calculating time basing on such physical concepts as speed and distance. Therefore, in order to calculate the time, both distance and speed parameters must be entered. For the speed, you need to enter its value and select speed unit by using the scroll down menu in the calculator. Distance = (1/2 of acceleration) x (time squared)You can change this around to solve it for acceleration or time.(Time squared) = (distance)/(half of acceleration)Time = the square root of (2 x.
- Distance 12 X Acceleration X (time) ^2tion X Time 2
- Distance Using Acceleration And Time
- Finding Distance With Acceleration And Time
- Given Distance And Time Find Acceleration
Basic Relationships
Recall from our study of derivatives that if (xleft( t right)) is the position of an object moving along a straight line at time (t,) then the velocity of the object is
[vleft( t right) = frac{{dx}}{{dt}},]
and the acceleration is given by
[aleft( t right) = frac{{dv}}{{dt}} = frac{{{d^2}x}}{{d{t^2}}}.]
Using the integral calculus, we can calculate the velocity function from the acceleration function, and the position function from the velocity function.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus says that
[{intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {aleft( t right)dt} = left. {vleft( t right)} right|_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} }={ vleft( {{t_2}} right) – vleft( {{t_1}} right).}]
Similarly, the difference between the position at time ({{t_1}}) and the position at time ({{t_2}}) is determined by the equation
[{intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {vleft( t right)dt} = left. Big ben slot machine free play. {xleft( t right)} right|_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} }={ xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right).}]
If the object moves from the position (xleft( {{t_1}} right)) to the position (xleft( {{t_2}} right),) the change (xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right)) is called the displacement of the object:
[Delta x = xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right).]
To find the total distance traveled by the object between time ({{t_1}}) and time ({{t_2}},) we need to compute the integral of (left| {vleft( t right)} right|:)
[d = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} .]
Constant Acceleration
Suppose that an object is moving along a straight line with the constant acceleration (a.) At time ({t_1} = 0,) the object has an initial velocity ({v_0}) and an initial position ({x_0}.)
The velocity and position of the object at time (t) are given by the equations
[vleft( t right) = {v_0}t + at,]
[xleft( t right) = {x_0} + {v_0}t + frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}.]
Solved Problems
Click or tap a problem to see the solution.
Example 1
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Example 2
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Example 3
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Example 4
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Example 5
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Example 6
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Example 7
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Example 8
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Distance 12 X Acceleration X (time) ^2tion X Time 2
Example 9
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Example 10
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Example 1.
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Solution.
Given that the velocity is positive for (t gt 0,) the total distance traveled for the time interval (left[ {0,t} right)) is expressed by the integral:
[{dleft( t right) = intlimits_0^t {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^t {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^t {sqrt {4 +u} du} ,}]
where (u) is the inner variable which has no impact on the computation of the integral.
Integration yields:
[{dleft( t right) = left. {frac{{2sqrt {{{left( {4 + u} right)}^3}} }}{3}} right|_0^t }={ frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + t} right)}^3}} – 8} right].}]
Substituting (t = 5,) we have Screens 3 6 12 – access your computer remotely.
[{dleft( {t = 5,text{s}} right) = frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + 5} right)}^3}} – 8} right] }={ frac{2}{3} cdot 19 }={ frac{{38}}{3} approx 12.7,text{m}}]
Example 2.
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Solution.
The equation of motion of the particle has the form
[v = frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = 2sqrt x .]
We have a simple differential equation that describes the particle's position as a function of time. Separating the variables and integrating both sides yields:
[{frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }} = 2dt,};; Rightarrow {int {frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }}} = 2int {dt} ,};; Rightarrow {2sqrt x = 2t + C,};; Rightarrow {sqrt x = t + C.}]
It follows from the initial condition (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0) that the (C = 0.) Hence, the particle moves according to the law:
[x = {t^2}.]
It is easy to see that (t = 10,text{s}) when (x = 100,text{m}.)
Example 3.
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Solution.
Let's first compute the displacement (Delta x) of the object when (t = 5,text{s}.) Integrating the velocity expression, we obtain
[{Delta x = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^5 }={ 5,text{m}.}]
Notice that the velocity changes sign at ({t_1} = 3.) Therefore, to calculate the distance (d) traveled by the object we split the initial interval (left[ {0,5} right]) into two subintervals (left[ {0,3} right]) and (left[ {3,5} right].) This yields
[{d = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} + intlimits_3^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} – intlimits_3^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^3 – left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_3^5 }={ left[ {left( {18 – 9} right) – 0} right] }-{ left[ {left( {30 – 25} right) – left( {18 – 9} right)} right] }={ 9 + 4 }={ 13,text{m}.}]
Example 4.
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Solution.
Given that the initial velocity is zero: ({v_0} = 0,) we determine the velocity equation:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} = int {cos frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}.}]
The distance traveled in the (3text{rd}) second is
[{d = intlimits_2^3 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_2^3 {frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{{{6^2}}}{{{pi ^2}}}left. {left( { – cos frac{{pi t}}{6}} right)} right|_2^3 }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( { – cos frac{pi }{2} + cos frac{pi }{3}} right) }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( {0 + frac{1}{2}} right) }={ frac{{18}}{{{pi ^2}}} approx 1.82,text{m}}]
Example 5.
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Solution.
First we compute the velocity of the object at time (t.) We use the formula
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {aleft( u right)du} ,]
where (u) is a variable of integration. Hence,
[{vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {1 + cos left( {pi u} right)du} }={ {v_0} + left. {left[ {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right]} right|_{u = 0}^{u = t} }={ 0 + left( {t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }} right) }-{ left( {0 + frac{{sin 0}}{pi }} right) }={ t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }.}] Minecraft pe mobile download.
Notice that the velocity (vleft( t right)) is always positive for (t gt 0.) Therefore, the total distance (d) traveled by the object for (1) sec is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^1 {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {left( {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right)du} }={ left. {left[ {frac{{{u^2}}}{2} – frac{{cos left( {pi u} right)}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right]} right|_0^1 }={ left( {frac{1}{2} – frac{{cos pi }}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) – left( {0 – frac{{cos 0}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) }={ frac{1}{2} + frac{2}{{{pi ^2}}} }approx{ 0.70,left( text{m} right).}]
The distance (d) is measured in meters, if the acceleration (a) is measured in meters per second squared.
Example 6.
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Solution.
Let the acceleration of the particle be equal to (a,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)). For motion from rest at constant acceleration, the velocity is given by the formula
Canvas draw 6 0 24. [vleft( t right) = at.]
The distance ({d_1}) traveled by the particle for the (1text{st}) second is written in the form
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^1 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^1 }={ frac{a}{2}.}]
Similarly, we can write down the distance ({d_2}) covered in the (2text{nd}) second:
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_1^2 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_1^2 }={ 4a – frac{a}{2} }={ frac{{7a}}{2}.}]
Comparing both expressions, we find that
[{d_2} = 7{d_1},]
where ({d_1}) and ({d_2}) are measured in meters.
Example 7.
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Solution.
Integrating the acceleration function gives us the velocity function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {{e^t} – 1} right)dt} }={ {e^t} – t + C.}]
Since ({v_0} = 0,) we have
[{vleft( 0 right) = 0,};; Rightarrow {{e^0} – 0 + C = 0,};; Rightarrow {C = – 1.}]
Hence, the velocity function has the form:
[vleft( t right) = {e^t} – t – 1.]
The average speed of an object is defined as the total distance traveled by the object divided by total time. So, we can write
[{bar v = frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {{e^t} – t – 1} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{2 – 0}}intlimits_0^2 {left( {{e^t} – t – 1} right)dt} }={ frac{1}{2}left. {left( {{e^t} – frac{{{t^2}}}{2} – t} right)} right|_0^2 }={ frac{{{e^2} – 5}}{2} approx 1.19,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
Example 8.
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Solution.
We calculate the velocity function from the acceleration function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {5 – 2t} right)dt} }={ 5t – {t^2} + C.}]
To find (C,) we use the initial condition ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right),) so we get
[vleft( t right) = 5t – {t^2} + 6.]
Notice that the velocity is equal to zero when (t =6) seconds. Hence, when calculating the distance, we split the interval of integration into two intervals where the velocity has a constant sign.
Thus, the total distance traveled by the particle is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^8 {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^8 {left| {5t – {t^2} + 6} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^6 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }-{ intlimits_6^8 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_0^6 }-{ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_6^8 }={ 2 cdot 54 – frac{{112}}{3} }={ frac{{212}}{3} }approx{ 70.67,text{m}}]
Example 9.
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Solution.
Determine the velocity ({v_1}) at the moment (t = {T_1}:)
[{{v_1} = {a_1}t = {a_1}{T_1} }={ 5 cdot 5 }={ 25,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
On the second stage, the particle's velocity varies according to the equation
[v = {v_1} + {a_2}t,]
where (0 le t le {T_2}.) Since (vleft( {{T_2}} right) = 0,) we can easily find the value of acceleration ({a_2}:)
[{{a_2} = – frac{{{v_1}}}{{{T_2}}} = – frac{{{a_1}{T_1}}}{{{T_2}}} }={ – frac{{25}}{{10}} }={ – 2.5,left( {frac{m}{{{s^2}}}} right)}]
The value of ({a_2}) is negative as the particle is decelerating.
Let's now move on to the calculation of distances. On the first stage, the distance traveled by the particle is equal to
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {{a_1}tdt} }={ {a_1}intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {tdt} }={ left. {frac{{{a_1}{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^5 }={ frac{{5 cdot {5^2}}}{2} }={ 62.5,text{m}}]
The distance traveled on the second stage is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_1}t + frac{{{a_2}{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^{10} }={ 25 cdot 10 – frac{{2,5 cdot {{10}^2}}}{2} }={ 125,text{m}}]
Hence, the total distance covered by the particle is
[{d = {d_1} + {d_2} }={ 62.5 + 125 }={ 187.5,text{m}}]
Example 10.
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Solution.
Suppose that the ball is thrown upward with an initial velocity of ({v_0}).
The velocity of the ball varies by the law
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} – gt,]
where (g) is the acceleration due to gravity: (g approx 9.8,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right))
The distance traveled in the (1text{st}) second is
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^1 }={ {v_0} – frac{g}{2}.}]
Respectively, the distance covered for the (2text{nd}) second is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_1^2 }={ left( {2{v_0} – 2g} right) – left( {{v_0} – frac{g}{2}} right) }={ {v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}.}]
We can find ({v_0}) from the condition (large{frac{{{d_1}}}{{{d_2}}}}normalsize = 2.) So
[{frac{{{v_0} – frac{g}{2}}}{{{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}}} = 2,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2left( {{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}} right),};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2{v_0} – 3g,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} = frac{{5g}}{2}.}]
The maximum height is determined by the equation
[H = frac{{v_0^2}}{{2g}}.]
Hence,
[require{cancel}{H = frac{{{{left( {frac{{5g}}{2}} right)}^2}}}{{2g}} }={ frac{{25{g^cancel{2}}}}{{8cancel{g}}} }={ frac{{25g}}{8} }approx{ 30.7,left( text{m} right)}]
Basic Relationships
Recall from our study of derivatives that if (xleft( t right)) is the position of an object moving along a straight line at time (t,) then the velocity of the object is
[vleft( t right) = frac{{dx}}{{dt}},]
and the acceleration is given by
[aleft( t right) = frac{{dv}}{{dt}} = frac{{{d^2}x}}{{d{t^2}}}.]
Using the integral calculus, we can calculate the velocity function from the acceleration function, and the position function from the velocity function.
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus says that
[{intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {aleft( t right)dt} = left. {vleft( t right)} right|_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} }={ vleft( {{t_2}} right) – vleft( {{t_1}} right).}]
Similarly, the difference between the position at time ({{t_1}}) and the position at time ({{t_2}}) is determined by the equation
[{intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {vleft( t right)dt} = left. {xleft( t right)} right|_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} }={ xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right).}]
If the object moves from the position (xleft( {{t_1}} right)) to the position (xleft( {{t_2}} right),) the change (xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right)) is called the displacement of the object:
[Delta x = xleft( {{t_2}} right) – xleft( {{t_1}} right).]
To find the total distance traveled by the object between time ({{t_1}}) and time ({{t_2}},) we need to compute the integral of (left| {vleft( t right)} right|:)
[d = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} .]
Constant Acceleration
Suppose that an object is moving along a straight line with the constant acceleration (a.) At time ({t_1} = 0,) the object has an initial velocity ({v_0}) and an initial position ({x_0}.)
The velocity and position of the object at time (t) are given by the equations
[vleft( t right) = {v_0}t + at,]
[xleft( t right) = {x_0} + {v_0}t + frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}.]
Solved Problems
Click or tap a problem to see the solution.
Example 1
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Example 2
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Example 3
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Example 4
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Example 5
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Distance Using Acceleration And Time
Example 6
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Example 7
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Example 8
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Example 9
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Example 10
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Example 1.
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Solution.
Given that the velocity is positive for (t gt 0,) the total distance traveled for the time interval (left[ {0,t} right)) is expressed by the integral:
[{dleft( t right) = intlimits_0^t {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^t {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^t {sqrt {4 +u} du} ,}]
where (u) is the inner variable which has no impact on the computation of the integral.
Integration yields:
[{dleft( t right) = left. {frac{{2sqrt {{{left( {4 + u} right)}^3}} }}{3}} right|_0^t }={ frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + t} right)}^3}} – 8} right].}]
Substituting (t = 5,) we have
[{dleft( {t = 5,text{s}} right) = frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + 5} right)}^3}} – 8} right] }={ frac{2}{3} cdot 19 }={ frac{{38}}{3} approx 12.7,text{m}}]
Example 2.
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Solution.
The equation of motion of the particle has the form
[v = frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = 2sqrt x .]
We have a simple differential equation that describes the particle's position as a function of time. Separating the variables and integrating both sides yields:
[{frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }} = 2dt,};; Rightarrow {int {frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }}} = 2int {dt} ,};; Rightarrow {2sqrt x = 2t + C,};; Rightarrow {sqrt x = t + C.}]
It follows from the initial condition (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0) that the (C = 0.) Hence, the particle moves according to the law:
[x = {t^2}.]
It is easy to see that (t = 10,text{s}) when (x = 100,text{m}.)
Example 3.
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Solution.
Let's first compute the displacement (Delta x) of the object when (t = 5,text{s}.) Integrating the velocity expression, we obtain
[{Delta x = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^5 }={ 5,text{m}.}]
Notice that the velocity changes sign at ({t_1} = 3.) Therefore, to calculate the distance (d) traveled by the object we split the initial interval (left[ {0,5} right]) into two subintervals (left[ {0,3} right]) and (left[ {3,5} right].) This yields
[{d = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} + intlimits_3^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} – intlimits_3^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^3 – left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_3^5 }={ left[ {left( {18 – 9} right) – 0} right] }-{ left[ {left( {30 – 25} right) – left( {18 – 9} right)} right] }={ 9 + 4 }={ 13,text{m}.}]
Example 4.
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Solution.
Given that the initial velocity is zero: ({v_0} = 0,) we determine the velocity equation:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} = int {cos frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}.}]
The distance traveled in the (3text{rd}) second is
[{d = intlimits_2^3 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_2^3 {frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{{{6^2}}}{{{pi ^2}}}left. {left( { – cos frac{{pi t}}{6}} right)} right|_2^3 }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( { – cos frac{pi }{2} + cos frac{pi }{3}} right) }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( {0 + frac{1}{2}} right) }={ frac{{18}}{{{pi ^2}}} approx 1.82,text{m}}]
Example 5.
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Finding Distance With Acceleration And Time
Solution.
First we compute the velocity of the object at time (t.) We use the formula
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {aleft( u right)du} ,]
where (u) is a variable of integration. Hence,
[{vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {1 + cos left( {pi u} right)du} }={ {v_0} + left. {left[ {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right]} right|_{u = 0}^{u = t} }={ 0 + left( {t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }} right) }-{ left( {0 + frac{{sin 0}}{pi }} right) }={ t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }.}]
Notice that the velocity (vleft( t right)) is always positive for (t gt 0.) Therefore, the total distance (d) traveled by the object for (1) sec is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^1 {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {left( {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right)du} }={ left. {left[ {frac{{{u^2}}}{2} – frac{{cos left( {pi u} right)}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right]} right|_0^1 }={ left( {frac{1}{2} – frac{{cos pi }}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) – left( {0 – frac{{cos 0}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) }={ frac{1}{2} + frac{2}{{{pi ^2}}} }approx{ 0.70,left( text{m} right).}]
The distance (d) is measured in meters, if the acceleration (a) is measured in meters per second squared.
Example 6.
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Solution.
Let the acceleration of the particle be equal to (a,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)). For motion from rest at constant acceleration, the velocity is given by the formula
[vleft( t right) = at.]
The distance ({d_1}) traveled by the particle for the (1text{st}) second is written in the form
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^1 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^1 }={ frac{a}{2}.}]
Similarly, we can write down the distance ({d_2}) covered in the (2text{nd}) second:
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_1^2 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_1^2 }={ 4a – frac{a}{2} }={ frac{{7a}}{2}.}]
Comparing both expressions, we find that
[{d_2} = 7{d_1},]
where ({d_1}) and ({d_2}) are measured in meters.
Example 7.
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Solution.
Integrating the acceleration function gives us the velocity function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {{e^t} – 1} right)dt} }={ {e^t} – t + C.}]
Since ({v_0} = 0,) we have
[{vleft( 0 right) = 0,};; Rightarrow {{e^0} – 0 + C = 0,};; Rightarrow {C = – 1.}]
Hence, the velocity function has the form:
[vleft( t right) = {e^t} – t – 1.]
The average speed of an object is defined as the total distance traveled by the object divided by total time. So, we can write
[{bar v = frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {{e^t} – t – 1} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{2 – 0}}intlimits_0^2 {left( {{e^t} – t – 1} right)dt} }={ frac{1}{2}left. {left( {{e^t} – frac{{{t^2}}}{2} – t} right)} right|_0^2 }={ frac{{{e^2} – 5}}{2} approx 1.19,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
Example 8.
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Solution.
We calculate the velocity function from the acceleration function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {5 – 2t} right)dt} }={ 5t – {t^2} + C.}]
To find (C,) we use the initial condition ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right),) so we get
[vleft( t right) = 5t – {t^2} + 6.]
Notice that the velocity is equal to zero when (t =6) seconds. Hence, when calculating the distance, we split the interval of integration into two intervals where the velocity has a constant sign.
Thus, the total distance traveled by the particle is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^8 {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^8 {left| {5t – {t^2} + 6} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^6 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }-{ intlimits_6^8 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_0^6 }-{ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_6^8 }={ 2 cdot 54 – frac{{112}}{3} }={ frac{{212}}{3} }approx{ 70.67,text{m}}]
Example 9.
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Solution.
Determine the velocity ({v_1}) at the moment (t = {T_1}:)
[{{v_1} = {a_1}t = {a_1}{T_1} }={ 5 cdot 5 }={ 25,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
On the second stage, the particle's velocity varies according to the equation
[v = {v_1} + {a_2}t,]
where (0 le t le {T_2}.) Since (vleft( {{T_2}} right) = 0,) we can easily find the value of acceleration ({a_2}:)
[{{a_2} = – frac{{{v_1}}}{{{T_2}}} = – frac{{{a_1}{T_1}}}{{{T_2}}} }={ – frac{{25}}{{10}} }={ – 2.5,left( {frac{m}{{{s^2}}}} right)}]
The value of ({a_2}) is negative as the particle is decelerating.
Let's now move on to the calculation of distances. On the first stage, the distance traveled by the particle is equal to
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {{a_1}tdt} }={ {a_1}intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {tdt} }={ left. {frac{{{a_1}{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^5 }={ frac{{5 cdot {5^2}}}{2} }={ 62.5,text{m}}]
The distance traveled on the second stage is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_1}t + frac{{{a_2}{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^{10} }={ 25 cdot 10 – frac{{2,5 cdot {{10}^2}}}{2} }={ 125,text{m}}]
Hence, the total distance covered by the particle is
[{d = {d_1} + {d_2} }={ 62.5 + 125 }={ 187.5,text{m}}]
Example 10.
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Solution.
Suppose that the ball is thrown upward with an initial velocity of ({v_0}).
Given Distance And Time Find Acceleration
The velocity of the ball varies by the law
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} – gt,]
where (g) is the acceleration due to gravity: (g approx 9.8,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right))
The distance traveled in the (1text{st}) second is
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^1 }={ {v_0} – frac{g}{2}.}]
Respectively, the distance covered for the (2text{nd}) second is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_1^2 }={ left( {2{v_0} – 2g} right) – left( {{v_0} – frac{g}{2}} right) }={ {v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}.}]
We can find ({v_0}) from the condition (large{frac{{{d_1}}}{{{d_2}}}}normalsize = 2.) So
[{frac{{{v_0} – frac{g}{2}}}{{{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}}} = 2,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2left( {{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}} right),};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2{v_0} – 3g,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} = frac{{5g}}{2}.}]
The maximum height is determined by the equation
[H = frac{{v_0^2}}{{2g}}.]
Hence,
The velocity and position of the object at time (t) are given by the equations
[vleft( t right) = {v_0}t + at,]
[xleft( t right) = {x_0} + {v_0}t + frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}.]
Solved Problems
Click or tap a problem to see the solution.
Example 1
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Example 2
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Example 3
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Example 4
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Example 5
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Distance Using Acceleration And Time
Example 6
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Example 7
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Example 8
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Example 9
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Example 10
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Example 1.
The velocity of an object is given by the equation (vleft( t right) = sqrt {4 + t} ,) where the velocity (v) is measured in (large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize,) the time (t) is measured in seconds. Find the distance traveled by the object for the first (5,text{sec}.)Solution.
Given that the velocity is positive for (t gt 0,) the total distance traveled for the time interval (left[ {0,t} right)) is expressed by the integral:
[{dleft( t right) = intlimits_0^t {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^t {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^t {sqrt {4 +u} du} ,}]
where (u) is the inner variable which has no impact on the computation of the integral.
Integration yields:
[{dleft( t right) = left. {frac{{2sqrt {{{left( {4 + u} right)}^3}} }}{3}} right|_0^t }={ frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + t} right)}^3}} – 8} right].}]
Substituting (t = 5,) we have
[{dleft( {t = 5,text{s}} right) = frac{2}{3}left[ {sqrt {{{left( {4 + 5} right)}^3}} – 8} right] }={ frac{2}{3} cdot 19 }={ frac{{38}}{3} approx 12.7,text{m}}]
Example 2.
A particle moves along a straight line in the positive direction of the (x-)axis with velocity given by the equation (v = 2sqrt{x},left({large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize}right).) Assuming that (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0,) find the time (t) the particle takes to cover the first (100,text{m}) of the path.Solution.
The equation of motion of the particle has the form
[v = frac{{dx}}{{dt}} = 2sqrt x .]
We have a simple differential equation that describes the particle's position as a function of time. Separating the variables and integrating both sides yields:
[{frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }} = 2dt,};; Rightarrow {int {frac{{dx}}{{sqrt x }}} = 2int {dt} ,};; Rightarrow {2sqrt x = 2t + C,};; Rightarrow {sqrt x = t + C.}]
It follows from the initial condition (xleft( {t = 0} right) = 0) that the (C = 0.) Hence, the particle moves according to the law:
[x = {t^2}.]
It is easy to see that (t = 10,text{s}) when (x = 100,text{m}.)
Example 3.
Starting at time (t = 0,) an object moves along a straight line with the velocity (vleft( t right) = 6 – 2t.) Calculate the displacement and distance traveled by the object at time (t = 5,text{s}.)Solution.
Let's first compute the displacement (Delta x) of the object when (t = 5,text{s}.) Integrating the velocity expression, we obtain
[{Delta x = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^5 }={ 5,text{m}.}]
Notice that the velocity changes sign at ({t_1} = 3.) Therefore, to calculate the distance (d) traveled by the object we split the initial interval (left[ {0,5} right]) into two subintervals (left[ {0,3} right]) and (left[ {3,5} right].) This yields
[{d = intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} + intlimits_3^5 {left| {6 – 2t} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^3 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} – intlimits_3^5 {left( {6 – 2t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_0^3 – left. {left( {6t – {t^2}} right)} right|_3^5 }={ left[ {left( {18 – 9} right) – 0} right] }-{ left[ {left( {30 – 25} right) – left( {18 – 9} right)} right] }={ 9 + 4 }={ 13,text{m}.}]
Example 4.
A particle starts from rest with an acceleration (aleft( t right)) which varies according to the equation (aleft( t right) = cos large{frac{{pi t}}{6}}normalsize,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the distance traveled by the particle for the (3text{rd}) second.Solution.
Given that the initial velocity is zero: ({v_0} = 0,) we determine the velocity equation:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} = int {cos frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}.}]
The distance traveled in the (3text{rd}) second is
[{d = intlimits_2^3 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_2^3 {frac{6}{pi }sin frac{{pi t}}{6}dt} }={ frac{{{6^2}}}{{{pi ^2}}}left. {left( { – cos frac{{pi t}}{6}} right)} right|_2^3 }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( { – cos frac{pi }{2} + cos frac{pi }{3}} right) }={ frac{{36}}{{{pi ^2}}}left( {0 + frac{1}{2}} right) }={ frac{{18}}{{{pi ^2}}} approx 1.82,text{m}}]
Example 5.
An object moves along a straight line with acceleration given by[aleft( t right) = 1 + cos left( {pi t} right).]Assuming that the initial velocity at (t = 0) is zero, find the total distance traveled over the first second.Finding Distance With Acceleration And Time
Solution.
First we compute the velocity of the object at time (t.) We use the formula
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {aleft( u right)du} ,]
where (u) is a variable of integration. Hence,
[{vleft( t right) = {v_0} + intlimits_0^t {1 + cos left( {pi u} right)du} }={ {v_0} + left. {left[ {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right]} right|_{u = 0}^{u = t} }={ 0 + left( {t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }} right) }-{ left( {0 + frac{{sin 0}}{pi }} right) }={ t + frac{{sin left( {pi t} right)}}{pi }.}]
Notice that the velocity (vleft( t right)) is always positive for (t gt 0.) Therefore, the total distance (d) traveled by the object for (1) sec is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^1 {left| {vleft( u right)} right|du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {vleft( u right)du} }={ intlimits_0^1 {left( {u + frac{{sin left( {pi u} right)}}{pi }} right)du} }={ left. {left[ {frac{{{u^2}}}{2} – frac{{cos left( {pi u} right)}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right]} right|_0^1 }={ left( {frac{1}{2} – frac{{cos pi }}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) – left( {0 – frac{{cos 0}}{{{pi ^2}}}} right) }={ frac{1}{2} + frac{2}{{{pi ^2}}} }approx{ 0.70,left( text{m} right).}]
The distance (d) is measured in meters, if the acceleration (a) is measured in meters per second squared.
Example 6.
A particle starts moving from rest with a constant acceleration. For the (1text{st}) second it covers ({d_1}) meters. What distance ({d_2}) does the particle cover for the (2text{nd}) second?Solution.
Let the acceleration of the particle be equal to (a,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)). For motion from rest at constant acceleration, the velocity is given by the formula
[vleft( t right) = at.]
The distance ({d_1}) traveled by the particle for the (1text{st}) second is written in the form
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^1 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^1 }={ frac{a}{2}.}]
Similarly, we can write down the distance ({d_2}) covered in the (2text{nd}) second:
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {vleft( t right)dt} }={ intlimits_1^2 {atdt} }={ left. {frac{{a{t^2}}}{2}} right|_1^2 }={ 4a – frac{a}{2} }={ frac{{7a}}{2}.}]
Comparing both expressions, we find that
[{d_2} = 7{d_1},]
where ({d_1}) and ({d_2}) are measured in meters.
Example 7.
A particle starts from rest and moves with an acceleration given by the equation (aleft( t right) = {e^t} – 1,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Find the average speed of the particle over the interval from ({t_1} = 0,text{s}) to ({t_2} = 2,text{s}.)Solution.
Integrating the acceleration function gives us the velocity function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {{e^t} – 1} right)dt} }={ {e^t} – t + C.}]
Since ({v_0} = 0,) we have
[{vleft( 0 right) = 0,};; Rightarrow {{e^0} – 0 + C = 0,};; Rightarrow {C = – 1.}]
Hence, the velocity function has the form:
[vleft( t right) = {e^t} – t – 1.]
The average speed of an object is defined as the total distance traveled by the object divided by total time. So, we can write
[{bar v = frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{{t_2} – {t_1}}}intlimits_{{t_1}}^{{t_2}} {left| {{e^t} – t – 1} right|dt} }={ frac{1}{{2 – 0}}intlimits_0^2 {left( {{e^t} – t – 1} right)dt} }={ frac{1}{2}left. {left( {{e^t} – frac{{{t^2}}}{2} – t} right)} right|_0^2 }={ frac{{{e^2} – 5}}{2} approx 1.19,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
Example 8.
A particle starts with the initial velocity of ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right)) and acceleration (5 – 2t,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right).) Calculate the distance traveled by the particle for the first (8) seconds.Solution.
We calculate the velocity function from the acceleration function:
[{vleft( t right) = int {aleft( t right)dt} }={ int {left( {5 – 2t} right)dt} }={ 5t – {t^2} + C.}]
To find (C,) we use the initial condition ({v_0} = 6,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{text{s}}}normalsize} right),) so we get
[vleft( t right) = 5t – {t^2} + 6.]
Notice that the velocity is equal to zero when (t =6) seconds. Hence, when calculating the distance, we split the interval of integration into two intervals where the velocity has a constant sign.
Thus, the total distance traveled by the particle is given by
[{d = intlimits_0^8 {left| {vleft( t right)} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^8 {left| {5t – {t^2} + 6} right|dt} }={ intlimits_0^6 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }-{ intlimits_6^8 {left( {5t – {t^2} + 6} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_0^6 }-{ left. {left( {frac{{5{t^2}}}{2} – frac{{{t^3}}}{3} + 6t} right)} right|_6^8 }={ 2 cdot 54 – frac{{112}}{3} }={ frac{{212}}{3} }approx{ 70.67,text{m}}]
Example 9.
A particle starts from rest and moves with constant acceleration ({a_1} = 5,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right)) for ({T_1} = 5) seconds. It then decelerates uniformly for ({T_2} = 10) seconds and stops. What is the distance covered by the particle?Solution.
Determine the velocity ({v_1}) at the moment (t = {T_1}:)
[{{v_1} = {a_1}t = {a_1}{T_1} }={ 5 cdot 5 }={ 25,left( {frac{text{m}}{text{s}}} right)}]
On the second stage, the particle's velocity varies according to the equation
[v = {v_1} + {a_2}t,]
where (0 le t le {T_2}.) Since (vleft( {{T_2}} right) = 0,) we can easily find the value of acceleration ({a_2}:)
[{{a_2} = – frac{{{v_1}}}{{{T_2}}} = – frac{{{a_1}{T_1}}}{{{T_2}}} }={ – frac{{25}}{{10}} }={ – 2.5,left( {frac{m}{{{s^2}}}} right)}]
The value of ({a_2}) is negative as the particle is decelerating.
Let's now move on to the calculation of distances. On the first stage, the distance traveled by the particle is equal to
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {{a_1}tdt} }={ {a_1}intlimits_0^{{T_1}} {tdt} }={ left. {frac{{{a_1}{t^2}}}{2}} right|_0^5 }={ frac{{5 cdot {5^2}}}{2} }={ 62.5,text{m}}]
The distance traveled on the second stage is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ intlimits_0^{{T_2}} {left( {{v_1} + {a_2}t} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_1}t + frac{{{a_2}{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^{10} }={ 25 cdot 10 – frac{{2,5 cdot {{10}^2}}}{2} }={ 125,text{m}}]
Hence, the total distance covered by the particle is
[{d = {d_1} + {d_2} }={ 62.5 + 125 }={ 187.5,text{m}}]
Example 10.
A ball thrown vertically travels double the distance in the (1text{st}) second than in the (2text{nd}) second. What is the maximum height achieved by the ball?Solution.
Suppose that the ball is thrown upward with an initial velocity of ({v_0}).
Given Distance And Time Find Acceleration
The velocity of the ball varies by the law
[vleft( t right) = {v_0} – gt,]
where (g) is the acceleration due to gravity: (g approx 9.8,left( {large{frac{text{m}}{{{text{s}^2}}}}normalsize} right))
The distance traveled in the (1text{st}) second is
[{{d_1} = intlimits_0^1 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_0^1 }={ {v_0} – frac{g}{2}.}]
Respectively, the distance covered for the (2text{nd}) second is given by
[{{d_2} = intlimits_1^2 {left( {{v_0} – gt} right)dt} }={ left. {left( {{v_0}t – frac{{g{t^2}}}{2}} right)} right|_1^2 }={ left( {2{v_0} – 2g} right) – left( {{v_0} – frac{g}{2}} right) }={ {v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}.}]
We can find ({v_0}) from the condition (large{frac{{{d_1}}}{{{d_2}}}}normalsize = 2.) So
[{frac{{{v_0} – frac{g}{2}}}{{{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}}} = 2,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2left( {{v_0} – frac{{3g}}{2}} right),};; Rightarrow {{v_0} – frac{g}{2} = 2{v_0} – 3g,};; Rightarrow {{v_0} = frac{{5g}}{2}.}]
The maximum height is determined by the equation
[H = frac{{v_0^2}}{{2g}}.]
Hence,
[require{cancel}{H = frac{{{{left( {frac{{5g}}{2}} right)}^2}}}{{2g}} }={ frac{{25{g^cancel{2}}}}{{8cancel{g}}} }={ frac{{25g}}{8} }approx{ 30.7,left( text{m} right)}]