In the study of motion, understanding the relationship between velocity, displacement, distance, and position is crucial. When dealing with motion problems, we often start with the velocity function, which is the derivative of the position function with respect to time. To find displacement over a specific time interval, we can use integration, as it serves as the reverse process of differentiation.
For example, if the velocity of an object is given by the function \( v(t) = 2t - 4 \), to find the displacement from time \( t = 0 \) to \( t = 5 \), we integrate the velocity function over that interval:
$$ \text{Displacement} = \int_{0}^{5} v(t) \, dt = \int_{0}^{5} (2t - 4) \, dt $$
Calculating the antiderivative, we find:
$$ \int (2t - 4) \, dt = t^2 - 4t $$
Evaluating this from 0 to 5 gives:
$$ [5^2 - 4(5)] - [0^2 - 4(0)] = 25 - 20 = 5 $$
This result indicates that the displacement is 5 units. Graphically, this displacement corresponds to the area under the velocity curve, where areas above the time axis contribute positively and areas below contribute negatively.
When calculating total distance, however, we must consider that distance cannot be negative. Thus, we take the absolute value of the velocity function. For the same velocity function, we need to determine where the function is negative to set up our integrals correctly. The function \( v(t) = 2t - 4 \) becomes zero at \( t = 2 \). Therefore, we split the integral into two parts:
$$ \text{Total Distance} = -\int_{0}^{2} (2t - 4) \, dt + \int_{2}^{5} (2t - 4) \, dt $$
Calculating these integrals separately, we find:
1. For \( \int_{0}^{2} (2t - 4) \, dt \):
$$ = [t^2 - 4t]_{0}^{2} = (2^2 - 4(2)) - (0 - 0) = 4 - 8 = -4 $$
2. For \( \int_{2}^{5} (2t - 4) \, dt \):
$$ = [t^2 - 4t]_{2}^{5} = (5^2 - 4(5)) - (2^2 - 4(2)) = (25 - 20) - (4 - 8) = 5 + 4 = 9 $$
Thus, the total distance is:
$$ \text{Total Distance} = -(-4) + 9 = 4 + 9 = 13 $$
To find the position function, we integrate the velocity function and add the initial position. If the initial position \( s(0) = 3 \), the position function can be derived as follows:
$$ s(t) = s(0) + \int_{0}^{t} v(x) \, dx = 3 + \int_{0}^{t} (2x - 4) \, dx $$
Calculating the integral gives:
$$ = 3 + [x^2 - 4x]_{0}^{t} = 3 + (t^2 - 4t) $$
Thus, the position function is:
$$ s(t) = t^2 - 4t + 3 $$
To find the position at a specific time, simply substitute the desired time into the position function. This comprehensive understanding of displacement, distance, and position in relation to velocity functions is essential for solving motion problems effectively.