Velocity-Time Graph: Calculating Instantaneous Velocity

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In summary, to calculate the instantaneous velocity of an object from a Velocity-Time graph, simply read the value from the graph at the given time t. If you have a "position-time" graph, the velocity is the slope of the tangent line at the given point. And if you have a "velocity-time" graph, the acceleration is the slope of the tangent line. To calculate acceleration at a given time, differentiate the velocity with respect to time, or find the gradient of the graph at that point.
  • #1
bayan
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How do you calculate the instantanius velocity of an object from a Velocity-Time graph?
 
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  • #2
The instaneous velocity of the object described in the graph at a partycular time t, is simply it's velcoity at that time. In other words you don't have to do any calculus (like you weould have to do if you wished to find the average vellcoity over a certain time) just read the value from the graph.
 
  • #3
bayan said:
How do you calculate the instantanius velocity of an object from a Velocity-Time graph?

Are you sure this is what you meant? As jcsd pointed out, if you really have a "velocity- time" graph, then the instantaneous velocity is just the "y" value of the graph at time t.

If you have a "position-time" graph, then the velocity is the slope of the tangent line at the point.

If you have a "velocity-time" graph, then the acceleration is the slope of the tangent line.
 
  • #4
sorry i asked the wrong question.

How do you calculate the Acceleration at a given time?
 
  • #5
and also the tangent line is curved *the train accelerates at diffrent acceleratio*
 
  • #6
accleration: velocity per unit time or V/t. It is just as is as this one.
 
  • #7
a = dv/dt

i.e. differentiate
 
  • #8
can you explain abit more please
 
  • #9
If you only have the graph find the gradient of the grpah at that particular point, if you have the equation differentiate v with respect to t.
 
  • #10
As I said before: if you have a "Velocity-time" graph, draw a tangent to the curve at the given value of t and find its slope.
 

1. What is a velocity-time graph?

A velocity-time graph is a graphical representation of an object's velocity over a certain period of time. The slope of the graph at any given point represents the object's instantaneous velocity at that specific time.

2. How do you calculate instantaneous velocity from a velocity-time graph?

To calculate instantaneous velocity from a velocity-time graph, you need to find the slope of the graph at the desired time. This can be done by drawing a tangent line at that specific point and calculating its slope using the rise over run formula (change in velocity divided by change in time).

3. What does a horizontal line on a velocity-time graph indicate?

A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph indicates that the object's velocity is constant and is not changing over time. This means that the object is moving at a constant speed.

4. How is acceleration represented on a velocity-time graph?

Acceleration is represented by the slope of the velocity-time graph. If the slope is positive, then the object is accelerating in the positive direction. If the slope is negative, then the object is accelerating in the negative direction. A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph indicates that there is no acceleration (constant velocity).

5. Can you determine an object's displacement from a velocity-time graph?

Yes, an object's displacement can be determined from a velocity-time graph by finding the area under the curve. This can be done by dividing the graph into smaller shapes (rectangles, triangles, etc.) and calculating their individual areas, then adding them up to find the total displacement. Alternatively, you can use the equation displacement = average velocity x time.

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