Position, Displacement, and Motion Graphs

Vocabulary flashcards covering initial position, final position, displacement, total distance, and position-time graph analysis based on the lecture notes.

Initial Position ($\vec{x_i}$)

The starting location of the cyclist, given as $25\,\text{m [E]}$ ($25\,\text{m}$ East).

Final Position ($\vec{x_f}$)

The ending location of the cyclist, given as $10\,\text{m [W]}$ ($10\,\text{m}$ West, corresponding to $-10\,\text{m}$ relative to the East direction).

Cyclist's Displacement ($\Delta \vec{x}$)

The vector change in position, calculated as $\Delta \vec{x} = \vec{x_f} - \vec{x_i} = -10\,\text{m} - 25\,\text{m} = -35\,\text{m}$, which corresponds to a displacement of $35\,\text{m}$ towards the West.

Cyclist's Total Distance ($d_t$)

The total path length traveled by the cyclist, calculated as $d_t = 25\,\text{m} + 10\,\text{m} = 35\,\text{m}$.

Horizontal Line on a Position vs. Time Graph

A graphical representation indicating that an object is at rest (immobile), because its position does not change over time.