Please help me understand this velocity time graph

However, you can determine the sign of x (positive or negative) by looking at the shape of the graph. In this case, since the graph is a harmonic oscillator, when the acceleration is negative, the object is to the right of the center point (x=0), which means x must be positive. So at point E, where the acceleration is negative, x must be greater than 0.
  • #1
UnD3R0aTh
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can u describe this motion? how is x > 0 at E? how can we tell the sign of x from the graph?
 

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  • #2
This looks like a harmonic oscillator centered on ##x=0##. In that case, ##a=0## corresponds to ##x=0## and the acceleration is pointing to the left (##a <0##) when the particle is right of ##x=0##. Therefore ##a < 0## means ##x > 0##, which is the case for ##t_\mathrm{E}##.
 
  • #3
UnD3R0aTh said:
can u describe this motion?
"u" wouldn't, but "you" would describe it by looking at the shape - what shape is it? What class of equations gives that shape?

how is x > 0 at E? how can we tell the sign of x from the graph?
x is the displacement - what is the relationship between the displacement and the velocity?
You cannot actually tell the absolute position of the object just from looking at the v-t graph alone - you can only tell how it changes position.
 

1. What is a velocity time graph?

A velocity time graph is a visual representation of an object's velocity over a period of time. It shows how an object's speed changes over time, with time on the x-axis and velocity on the y-axis.

2. How do you interpret a velocity time graph?

The slope of a velocity time graph represents the object's acceleration, with a steeper slope indicating a higher acceleration. The area under the graph represents the distance traveled by the object.

3. What does a horizontal line on a velocity time graph mean?

A horizontal line on a velocity time graph indicates that the object is moving at a constant velocity, as there is no change in velocity over time.

4. How does a negative slope on a velocity time graph affect the object's motion?

A negative slope on a velocity time graph indicates that the object is moving in the negative direction, or slowing down. The steeper the negative slope, the more quickly the object is decelerating.

5. Can you calculate an object's displacement from a velocity time graph?

Yes, the displacement of an object can be calculated by finding the area under the velocity time graph. This can be done by dividing the graph into smaller sections and calculating the area of each section, then adding them together to find the total displacement.

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