Αποτελέσματα Αναζήτησης
displacement vs. distance traveled If a body with position function s (t) moves along a coordinate line without changing direction, we can calculate the total distance it travels from t = a to t = b.
•2.6 Displacement vs. Distance •Tools: •Definite and Indefinite integrals 2
If an object moves from one position to another we say it experiences a displacement. Displacement: a vector representing a change in position. A displacement is measured in length units, so the MKS unit for displacement is the meter (m). We generally use the Greek letter capital delta (!) to represent a change.
Distance is the actual path length that an object moves away from its original position. Distance is a scalar. We use the symbol d for distance. Displacement is the straight-line path between the starting point and the endpoint of a journey i.e. the distance moved in a particular direction. Displacement is a vector.
To determine the displacement of an object, you only have to consider the change in position between the starting point and the ending point. The path followed from one point to the other does not matter.
Possible discussion points: By integrating the acceleration equation, you can find the velocity equation and by integrating the velocity equation, you can find the displacement equation. Also, by find the area between the curve and the x-axis, you can find displacement and total distance.
The book begins with an example that is familiar to everybody who drives a car. It is calculus in action—the driver sees it happening. The example is the relation between the speedometer and the odometer. One measures the speed (or velocity); the other measures the distance traveled.
