Finding average velocity from a velocity-time graph

In summary, average velocity is a measure of an object's overall rate of motion, calculated by dividing its total displacement by the total time elapsed. On a velocity-time graph, it is represented by the slope of a line, with steeper slopes indicating a greater average velocity. To calculate average velocity from a velocity-time graph, the change in velocity is divided by the change in time. The units used for average velocity are typically distance per time, such as meters per second or kilometers per hour. It is also possible for average velocity to be negative, indicating that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the reference point.
  • #1
tascja
87
0

Homework Statement


Find the average velocity from the velocity-time graph:
V / t
3 / 0
3 / 2
2 / 2
2 / 3
1 / 3
1 / 4
0 / 4

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure if i can find the average velocity from this graph or if i have to make a position-time graph??
 
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  • #2
Draw velocity-time graph and find the area of the graph.
That gives you the total displacement. Total time known. From that find the average velocity.
 
  • #3


The average velocity can be found from the slope of the line connecting the starting and ending points on the velocity-time graph. In this case, the starting point is (0,0) and the ending point is (4,0). Therefore, the average velocity is equal to the slope of the line connecting these two points. This can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity (4-0 = 4) by the change in time (4-0 = 4). Thus, the average velocity is 4/4 = 1 unit per second.

Alternatively, you can also find the average velocity by taking the average of all the individual velocities in the table. In this case, the average velocity would be (3+3+2+2+1+1+0)/7 = 1 unit per second.

You do not need to make a position-time graph to find the average velocity in this case. The velocity-time graph already shows the change in velocity over time, which is what average velocity represents.
 

What is average velocity?

Average velocity is a measure of the overall rate of motion of an object. It is calculated by dividing the total displacement of the object by the total time elapsed.

How is average velocity represented on a velocity-time graph?

Average velocity is represented by the slope of a line on a velocity-time graph. The steeper the slope, the greater the average velocity.

How do you calculate average velocity from a velocity-time graph?

To calculate average velocity from a velocity-time graph, you need to find the slope of the line connecting the initial and final points on the graph. This can be done by dividing the change in velocity (Δv) by the change in time (Δt).

What units are used for average velocity?

Average velocity is typically measured in distance per time, such as meters per second (m/s) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

Can average velocity be negative?

Yes, average velocity can be negative if the object is moving in the opposite direction of the reference point. This indicates that the object is moving towards the origin or starting point.

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