Velocity versus Time Graph help?

In summary, a vertical line on a velocity-time graph has no practical meaning, as it would require an object to have every possible velocity at the same time. A horizontal line, on the other hand, represents a constant speed. A 'nearly vertical' line would indicate a rapid change in velocity, such as when a ball bearing hits the front of a locomotive.
  • #1
lkj6778
4
0
What does a vertical line graph pointing straight up mean? Same for down? What does a horizontal line mean?

y axis=velocity (m/s)

x axis=time (s)
 
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  • #2
Vertical line doesn't mean anything. It's not even a proper function. f(x) can have only one output per x.
It doesn't make sense intuitively either: one body cannot have simultaneously every possible velocity.

Horizontal means constancy.
 
  • #3
I was doing a lab with my group where we had to use a motion detector to match the target graphs given. And yes, my axes are correct. (University Physics 1)
 
  • #4
Velocity=(m/s)

Time=(s)
 
  • #5
Bandersnatch is correct. A vertical line on a velocity time graph is nonsense. It means that the object has every velocity and only exists for an instant.

A horizontal line means a constant speed.
 
  • #6
DaleSpam said:
Bandersnatch is correct. A vertical line on a velocity time graph is nonsense. It means that the object has every velocity and only exists for an instant.

A horizontal line means a constant speed.

It could help to add that a 'nearly vertical' line would represent a very rapid change of velocity - thus avoiding the problem of every velocity existing at once. 'Near as dammit', instant change of velocity - as when a ball bearing hits the front of a locomotive. The line is not quite vertical.
 
  • #7
Right- the ball bearing has just enough time to say "ouch"!
 

Related to Velocity versus Time Graph help?

1. What is a velocity versus time graph?

A velocity versus time graph is a visual representation of an object's velocity over a period of time. The velocity is typically shown on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. It is a useful tool for analyzing an object's motion and determining its acceleration.

2. How do you interpret a velocity versus time graph?

The slope of a velocity versus time graph represents the object's acceleration. A positive slope indicates a constant increase in velocity, while a negative slope indicates a constant decrease in velocity. A flat slope represents a constant velocity. The steeper the slope, the greater the acceleration.

3. How do you calculate acceleration from a velocity versus time graph?

The acceleration can be calculated by finding the slope of the velocity versus time graph. This can be done by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. The units of acceleration are typically meters per second squared (m/s²).

4. What does a horizontal line on a velocity versus time graph indicate?

A horizontal line on a velocity versus time graph represents a constant velocity. This means that the object is not accelerating and is moving at a constant speed.

5. How is a velocity versus time graph related to a displacement versus time graph?

A velocity versus time graph is the derivative of a displacement versus time graph. This means that the slope of a displacement versus time graph represents the velocity, and the area under the curve represents the displacement. In other words, the velocity versus time graph shows the rate of change of displacement over time.

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