Velocity vs displcement graph

In summary, the conversation discusses the equation of a line/curve on a velocity vs displacement graph that indicates constant acceleration. The equation of motion for a particle of constant acceleration is given and explained. The velocity vs displacement graph takes the shape of a parabola, with the velocity changing slower as the displacement increases. There is no specific name for this curve and it is possible to plot any variable against another in a process.
  • #1
hav0c
58
0
i was wondering what the equation of the line/curve on a velocity vs displacement graph would be which would indicate constant acceleration.
I am totally stumped.
EDIT:please feel free to shift the thread to any other place if need be, but since it wasn't coursework this seemed to be the natural place.
 
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  • #2
Well you know that in general the equation of motion for a particle of constant acceleration is given by:

[itex] x(t) = \frac{1}{2}at^2 + v_0t + x_0 [/itex]

and

[itex] v(t) = at + v_0 [/itex]


So, solving the first equation for t:

[itex] \frac{1}{2}at^2 + v_0t + (x_0 -x) = 0[/itex]
[itex] t = \frac{-v_0 \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)}}{a} [/itex]

Now plug that into the equation for v:

[itex] v(x) = \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)} [/itex]

I skipped some steps, so I encourage you to work the math out yourself, it's quite simple. Do you understand why the velocity changes slower and slower as the displacement increases? Once you see that, then you'll understand why it had to have that shape even without doing the math.
 
  • #3
dipole said:
[itex] v(x) = \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)} [/itex]
isn't this just v^2-u^2=2ax?

Anyways, i see that with increase in x, a decreases
therefore the graph looks like this?
(see attachment)
 

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  • #4
Yes it look like that, but the velocity doesn't decrease with x, the rate of change of the velocity decreases with x. Not that this is not acceleration, because that is the change of velocity with respect to time.
 
  • #5
then what is the name for this curve ? and is this the graph for velocity versus displacement ?
 
  • #6
There is no separate name for the graph. It is simply the velocity vs displacement graph.
 
  • #7
dodi said:
then what is the name for this curve ? and is this the graph for velocity versus displacement ?
Isn't it just a parabola? From school lessons y2 = 4ax
It is possible to plot more or less any variable against any other variable in a process and it may or may not give a useful picture. 'Names' aren't really very important and only used for the more common ones.
 
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What is a velocity vs displacement graph?

A velocity vs displacement graph is a graphical representation of the relationship between an object's velocity and its displacement over time. It shows how the displacement of an object changes as its velocity changes.

How do you interpret a velocity vs displacement graph?

To interpret a velocity vs displacement graph, you can look at the slope of the line. A steeper slope indicates a higher velocity, while a flatter slope indicates a lower velocity. Additionally, the direction of the line can show the direction of the object's motion.

What is the difference between velocity and displacement?

Velocity refers to the rate of change of an object's displacement. It is a vector quantity and includes both the magnitude (speed) and direction of the object's motion. Displacement, on the other hand, is the change in an object's position from its starting point. It is also a vector quantity, but it only includes the magnitude of the change, not the direction.

What can a velocity vs displacement graph tell us about an object's motion?

A velocity vs displacement graph can tell us about an object's speed, direction, and changes in its motion over time. It can also show us when an object is at rest, moving at a constant speed, accelerating, or decelerating.

How can a velocity vs displacement graph be used in scientific research?

A velocity vs displacement graph can be used to analyze and predict the motion of objects in scientific research. It can also be used to compare the motion of different objects and to study the effects of different variables, such as force or friction, on an object's motion.

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