Determine acceleration from position vs time graph

[Momentum09]

Hi,
I was given a position vs. time graph of a projectile. I estimated the instantaneous velocity at the first 1/2 height, climax, and the second 1/2 height. From these slopes I created a velocity vs. time graph and use the slope of this line for my acceleration, but I keep getting this problem wrong.

Thanks!

 

[Integral]

OK,

Now if you want some help you will need to ask a question.

 

[m2003]

Hello, thank you for sharing your approach to determining acceleration from a position vs time graph. Your method of estimating the instantaneous velocity at different points and creating a velocity vs time graph is a valid approach. However, it is important to note that the slope of a velocity vs time graph gives the acceleration at a specific point in time, not the entire motion of the projectile.

To accurately determine the acceleration of the projectile, you would need to take the average acceleration over the entire motion. This can be calculated by finding the slope of the line connecting the initial and final velocities on the velocity vs time graph. Another method is to use the formula a = (vf - vi)/t, where vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

It is possible that your approach may be yielding incorrect results due to inaccuracies in estimating the instantaneous velocity or creating the velocity vs time graph. I would recommend double-checking your calculations and ensuring that your graph accurately represents the motion of the projectile.

Additionally, it is always helpful to include units in your calculations and to label your graphs properly. This will help to ensure that your final answer has the correct units and is easy to interpret.

I hope this helps and good luck with your future experiments!