Velocity vs time graph to distance vs time graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting a velocity vs. time graph into a distance vs. time graph, emphasizing that distance is the indefinite integral of velocity with respect to time. To approximate the distance, one can multiply velocity values by corresponding small time intervals and sum these distances from zero. The use of graph paper is recommended for plotting, where the area under the velocity graph represents distance. The discussion also highlights that uniform motion results in straight lines on the distance graph, while curves indicate varying acceleration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic calculus concepts, specifically integration
  • Familiarity with graphing techniques using graph paper
  • Knowledge of the relationship between velocity and distance
  • Ability to interpret graphical representations of motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of indefinite integrals in calculus
  • Learn how to calculate areas under curves using integration techniques
  • Explore graphing software tools for visualizing velocity and distance graphs
  • Research the implications of uniform vs. non-uniform motion in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or calculus courses, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the graphical representation of motion dynamics.

james_
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how do i take a velocity vs time graph and make it a distance vs time graph?
thanks for your help, here's the exact question

"Using the velocity vs time graphs, sketch the distance vs time graph for each of the graphs that you matched."

i need to do this question for a lab i didnt do in class. thank you again.
 
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This is an elementary calculus problem - distance is the indefinite integral of velocity with respect to time.
 
For an approximate distance solution (within a constant), just take each value of velocity and multiply it by a corresponding small interval of time. These resultant intervals of distance are then summed from where time equals zero (thus subtracting out the constant).
 
In graphing, this is a common item and there is a simple technique.
Use graph paper with little boxes (like quad paper). Plot velocity vs time on the paper, using equal divisions. So, presumably you know that x = vt. Look at each small box on the graph paper and ask yourself what is the area of that box? At least figure out the units of the area. Come back and let us know.
 
Integrals if you have equation.

Otherwise, idk.
 
I am having trouble with this same question. The question shows the picture i included in the attachment and ask you to sketch a position verse time graph?
 

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If you are converting a dt graph to vt then you have to remember that vt graphs to not have curved lines. If the dt graph shows uniform motion (straight line) then it should look like a bar graph on the vt graph. If the dt graph has curves then they are represented by diagonal lines.
 
vt graphs can have curved lines, actually, it just means they don't have constant acceleration.

If you don't know how to do integrals, I think the process they probably want is for you to find the area under the graph. You can do it in pieces, the more pieces you have the more accurate it is, but like six should do I should think. Depends on how many data points you have, I guess?
 
zach3535 said:
I am having trouble with this same question. The question shows the picture i included in the attachment and ask you to sketch a position verse time graph?

This one can just be a diagonal line from the origin towards the top right hand corner, since it doesn't have any axis labels :)
 

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