Graph descriptions of velocity, acceleration, speed and time

In summary: What does the slope of the displacement graph represent? Think about these questions and you'll be able to figure out the answer. In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement for an object in motion. It also talks about how to find the displacement over time for an object with constant positive acceleration or velocity. The key is to use basic calculus and understand the units involved in order to solve these types of problems.
  • #1
asz304
108
0
I can't understand the choices or the questions properly. And I want to know which of the following is right. I would appreciate it if you gave a hint or explanation. Thanks


1)For an object moving with constant positive acceleration, the displacement over a period of time could be found by taking:
a) integral of the velocity vs time graph.
b)integral of the acceleration vs time graph.
c)derivative of the velocity vs time graph.
d)derivative of the acceleration vs time graph.

2)For an object moving with constant positive velocity, the displacement vs time graph is:
a)parabolic with an intercept of zero.
b) linear with slope which is equal to the acceleration.
c)linear with slope which is equal to the velocity.
d)horizontal.

Sorry that I didn't add the template
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can use simple dimensional arguments to figure out these questions. Imagine if the velocity were constant. Then the velocity-time graph would be flat, and the displacement would just be velocity*time, which would correspond to the area under the graph (a rectangle). You know this is right, because speed*time has units of length. The units have to work out. Now you're just considering a genaralization of that case to NON constant velocity (the graph is not flat anymore). The displacement is still given by the area under the curve, which still has the right units. It's just that a simple multiplication is no longer sufficient to calculate the area underneath a curve of arbitrary shape. You have to integrate.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
asz304 said:
1)For an object moving with constant positive acceleration, the displacement over a period of time could be found by taking:

This is just a question about the relationship between acceleration, velocity, and displacement. If you know (or look up) how you go about finding one from another using basic calculus, you'll be able to get this quite easily.

2)For an object moving with constant positive velocity, the displacement vs time graph is:
a)parabolic with an intercept of zero.
b) linear with slope which is equal to the acceleration.
c)linear with slope which is equal to the velocity.
d)horizontal.

What does a graph of constant positive velocity look like? How do you get a displacement graph from a velocity graph?
 
1.

What is the difference between velocity, acceleration, speed, and time?

Velocity is the rate of change of an object's position, including both speed and direction. Acceleration is the rate of change of an object's velocity over time. Speed is the rate at which an object is moving, regardless of direction. Time is the measurement of the duration of an event or the interval between two events.

2.

How are velocity, acceleration, speed, and time related?

Velocity, acceleration, and speed are all measures of an object's motion, and are related through the equation v = at, where v is velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time. Time is an essential component in calculating and understanding an object's velocity and acceleration.

3.

What do the graphs of velocity, acceleration, speed, and time look like?

The graph of velocity over time is a line with the slope representing the object's acceleration. The graph of acceleration over time is a line that may be curved or straight, depending on the object's acceleration. The graph of speed over time is a line that shows how the object's speed changes over time. The graph of time over time would be a straight horizontal line, as time is a constant variable.

4.

How can graphing velocity, acceleration, speed, and time help in understanding an object's motion?

Graphing these variables allows for a visual representation of an object's motion, making it easier to analyze and understand. It can also reveal patterns and changes in an object's motion over time, providing valuable insights into its behavior and allowing for accurate predictions of future motion.

5.

What are some real-world examples that can be represented by graphing velocity, acceleration, speed, and time?

Examples include a car accelerating from a stoplight, a rollercoaster's speed as it goes up and down hills, a baseball flying through the air after being hit, and a person running in a race. These are just a few of the many real-world scenarios that can be described and analyzed using velocity, acceleration, speed, and time graphs.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
353
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
740
Back
Top