What does a vertical line on a velocity versus time graph suggest?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of a vertical line on a velocity versus time graph, exploring the interpretation of such a feature within the context of graphing conventions and potential data issues.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions what a vertical line implies in a velocity versus time graph.
  • Another participant suggests that if the axes are switched (velocity horizontal, time vertical), a vertical line would indicate constant velocity, but otherwise, it does not imply anything since it would not represent a function.
  • A participant clarifies that in their case, with the velocity axis horizontal and time vertical, they seek to understand the implications of a vertical line.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of the graph and data, with one participant suggesting that a vertical line could indicate infinite velocity or an instantaneous change, which they deem unusual.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the data's accuracy if a vertical line appears, suggesting that it might indicate a plotting error or reversed axes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of a vertical line, with multiple competing views regarding its interpretation and the validity of the data represented.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the potential for confusion arising from axis orientation and the implications of a vertical line, but do not resolve the underlying assumptions about the data or graphing conventions.

L²Cc
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what does a vertical line in a velocity versus time graph imply?
 
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Is you set the velocity axis to be horizontal, and the time axis to be vertical, then a vertical line implies constant velocity. :smile:

Else, it doesn't imply anything, since that set of points is not even a function.
 
oops...should have given out that info. hmm..the velocity axis is horizontal, whereas time is vertical...in this situation, what does the vertical line imply?
 
Last edited:
You posted the same question twice. You also posted it here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=140999
 
oops, human error.
 
The other thread has been deleted. Please note that it is explicitly mentioned in the PF Guidelines that everyone has agreed to that multiple posting is not allowed.

Zz.
 
Suppose the vertical part of the graph occurs at [itex]x_0[/itex].

What is the velocity at [itex]x_0 - \delta[/itex] ?

What is the velocity at [itex]x_0 + \delta[/itex] ?

Ok, now what has happened at the verical portion of the graph?
 
I suppose that could only happen if the velocity at that time was infinite, as otherwise the vertical line would have an upper limit to it.
It would also mean that the velocity of whatever you're measuring just jumped instantly with no time for acceleration, which would be highly unusual.

In other words, if I saw such a graph, the first things I would check would be the veracity of the data and the validity of the math.
 
L²Cc said:
what does a vertical line in a velocity versus time graph imply?
That something was wrong with the data or how the graph was plotted. As mentioned, maybe the axis got reversed (velocity is horiztonal, time is vertical).
 

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