The velocity V m/s of a particle in motion is given by 𝑉 = 3𝑡

2 − 2𝑡 + 5.Calculate the distance
travelled by the particle between t= 2 seconds and t = 6 seconds. (3 marks)

1 answer

To calculate the distance traveled by the particle, we need to find the displacement function by integrating the velocity function.

The displacement function is the integral of the velocity function:

𝑊(𝑡) = ∫ (3𝑡^2 − 2𝑡 + 5) 𝑑𝑡

Evaluating the integral gives us:

𝑊(𝑡) = 𝑡^3 − 𝑡^2 + 5𝑡 + 𝐶

To find the constant of integration, we use the initial condition 𝑊(2) = 0, since the particle starts at t = 2 seconds.

0 = (2)^3 − (2)^2 + 5(2) + 𝐶
0 = 8 - 4 + 10 + 𝐶
𝐶 = -14

So, the displacement function becomes:

𝑊(𝑡) = 𝑡^3 − 𝑡^2 + 5𝑡 - 14

To find the distance traveled, we need to find the absolute value of the displacement between t = 2 seconds and t = 6 seconds:

Distance = |𝑊(6) - 𝑊(2)|

Distance = |(6)^3 - (6)^2 + 5(6) - 14 - [(2)^3 - (2)^2 + 5(2) - 14]|

Distance = |216 - 36 + 30 - 14 - 8 + 4 - 10 + 14|

Distance = |206|

Therefore, the distance traveled by the particle between t = 2 seconds and t = 6 seconds is 206 meters.