A particle moves according to x = 2t³ − 9t² + 12t metre. Find the total distance travelled from t=0 to 3 s.

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

v = 6t²−18t+12 = 6(t−1)(t−2). Turning points: t=1 and t=2. Positions: x(0)=0, x(1)=5, x(2)=4, x(3)=9. Total distance = |5−0| + |4−5| + |9−4| = 5+1+5 = 11 m.