Chapter 2.1, Problem 7R

To determine

To describe: the motion represented by a horizontal line on a distance time graph.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Distance and displacement are two quantities with different names and definitions that appear to mean the same but are significantly different. Distance is numerical value of the range that an object travels in a particular time, while displacement is the measure of how far away an object is from the location.

To figure out how far an object is located or how rapidly it is traveling, one needs a reference point from which to calculate it. Each of the physical calculations from a reference point is performed. Measurement is an object’s position concerning some other related parameter.

When the distance time graph is horizontal, it indicates that the distance is constant with time growth. That is to say, the distance is unchanged showing that the body is at rest.

Conclusion:

Hence, when the distance time graph is horizontal, it reveals that the distance is constant as time increases. This means, the distance is constant showing that the body is at rest.