Question

Is the area under a velocity vs time graph both displacement and distance?

Answer 1

As long as it stays above the x-axis the area represents both distance and displacement. As the graph goes negative, displacement is reduced while distance traveled continues to increase.

Assuming rectilinear motion.

Answer 2

So, could you give an example of a graph where displacement is reduced and distance in increased?

Answer 3

Take this graph for example.The displacement is 3-1=2m & distance traveled=3+1=4m.

Answer 4

So, to find displacement, you add the areas be it plus or minus, but for distance you add the absolute values of negative areas?

Answer 5

yep.