A particle moves along the x–axis from an initial position to a final position

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A particle moves along the x–axis from an initial position

x=a

to a final position

x=-b

, where

a

and

b

are positive constants. (i) Write an algebraic expression for the displacement

\Delta x

of the particle in terms of

a

and

b

. (ii) Obtain an expression for the magnitude

|\Delta x|

. (iii) State the condition on

a

and

b

under which the displacement is positive, negative, or zero. (iv) If

a=12\,\text{m}

and

b=8\,\text{m}

, calculate the numerical values of the displacement and the distance travelled.