Acceleration vs Time Graph

In summary: Maybe you're mixing up your horizontal and vertical components...if the velocity is in a negative direction and it is slowing down then the acceleration is in the positive direction.if the velocity is in a negative direction and it is slowing down then the acceleration is in the positive direction.
  • #1
Khemkhajon
12
0
If a object was heading towards the orgin while slowing down. How would the a vs t graph look. I keep thinking it would be a positive acceleration line, but I am not sure wondering if anyone could clarify
 
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  • #2
If it is slowing down, what does that say about the acceleration?

An a-t graph plots acceleration. It doesn't matter if the object is moving towards the origin or away from it.
 
  • #3
tyco05 said:
If it is slowing down, what does that say about the acceleration?

An a-t graph plots acceleration. It doesn't matter if the object is moving towards the origin or away from it.

Thats not true. Because if they gave you a x vs t graph of a object heading towards the orgin and speeding up the acceleration would still be negative because of the slope
 
  • #4
Khemkhajon said:
Thats not true. Because if they gave you a x vs t graph of a object heading towards the orgin and speeding up the acceleration would still be negative because of the slope

What exactly do you mean by this?

If something is speeding up, the slope of the v- t graph is positive. Hence the acceleration is positive.
 
  • #5
tyco05 said:
What exactly do you mean by this?

If something is speeding up, the slope of the v- t graph is positive. Hence the acceleration is positive.

Think of it as ball rolling down a ramp. it starts at 50m-----------ends at 0m
 
  • #6
Hmmm... maybe you mean speeding up in a negative direction?
In that case your statement is correct.
 
  • #7
tyco05 said:
Hmmm... maybe you mean speeding up in a negative direction?
In that case your statement is correct.

so back to the question if its speed was negative and starts to slow down what would the a vs t be?
 
  • #8
Maybe you're mixing up your horizontal and vertical components...
 
  • #9
if the velocity is in a negative direction and it is slowing down then the acceleration is in the positive direction.
 
  • #10
tyco05 said:
if the velocity is in a negative direction and it is slowing down then the acceleration is in the positive direction.

o ok thankyou
 
Last edited:

What is an acceleration vs time graph?

An acceleration vs time graph is a visual representation of the acceleration of an object over a period of time. It shows how the acceleration changes over time and can provide information about the motion of the object.

How is acceleration calculated from an acceleration vs time graph?

Acceleration can be calculated from an acceleration vs time graph by finding the slope of the line. The slope is equal to the change in velocity divided by the change in time, which is the definition of acceleration.

What does a straight line on an acceleration vs time graph represent?

A straight line on an acceleration vs time graph represents constant acceleration. This means that the acceleration of the object is not changing and remains the same over the entire time period.

What does a curved line on an acceleration vs time graph represent?

A curved line on an acceleration vs time graph represents changing acceleration. This means that the acceleration of the object is changing over time, either increasing or decreasing.

How does the slope of an acceleration vs time graph relate to the velocity of an object?

The slope of an acceleration vs time graph is equal to the rate of change of velocity, which is the definition of acceleration. Therefore, the slope of the graph at any point represents the velocity of the object at that point in time.

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