Straight-Line Graph: x/t2 and t or x/t Pairs for Plotting

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the motion of a stone sliding across an icy surface under uniform retardation, with a focus on determining which pairs of quantities plotted would yield a straight-line graph. The subject area pertains to kinematics and motion equations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various pairs of quantities to plot, considering the relationships between distance, time, and acceleration. Some participants question the completeness of the equations presented, particularly regarding initial velocity and its impact on the motion equations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the equations of motion. There is a recognition of potential errors in reasoning, and some guidance is offered regarding the correct formulation of the motion equations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the possibility of multiple correct answers in the context of the problem, leading to confusion about the expected singularity of the answer. The discussion reflects uncertainty about the initial conditions and the full equations of motion.

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A stone slides across an icy surface and travels a distance of x in time t while suffering uniform retardation. Which of the following pairs of quantities, plotted to represent the motion of the stone, would give a straight-line graph?

A. x and t
B. x and t2
C. x/t and t2
D. x/t and t
E. x/t2 and t

This is my approach to the problem:

The initial velocity, u = at.

Hence, the distance traveled by the stone, x = 0.5at2

x/t2 = (0.5at2)/t2

= 0.5a

Since a is a constant, then a flat line would be represented in a graph of axes x/t2 and t.

Also, in D., x/t = v, which decreases at a constant rate because of the constant deceleration, so this is another straight-line graph.

Obviously, there must be something wrong with my reasoning because there can only be one, and not two answers for each multiple choice question.
 
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recon said:
The initial velocity, u = at.

Hence, the distance traveled by the stone, x = 0.5at2

Are you sure that's the full equation for position as a function of time? What about the initial velocity?
 
x = at(t) + 0.5 at2
= 1.5 at2 ?

This does not seem right.
 
Have you ever seen the formula:

[tex]x=v_0t+\frac{1}{2}at^2[/tex]
 

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