Acceleration versus time graph

In summary, when an object is thrown upwards, its acceleration is negative and remains pointing towards the earth until it reaches its maximum height and comes back down. This results in a straight line on the negative side of the y-axis when graphing acceleration over time. However, if the object goes high enough, the Inverse Square Law will start to affect the graph, causing it to dip towards the x-axis. The curvature of the Earth's surface also plays a role in these calculations.
  • #1
kaaira
1
0
when we throw an object upwards its accelaration is negative and after it reaches the maximum height it comes back to us and during that period it has its accelaration still pointing toward the earth. so does that mean that when we draw a accn time graph, for a body thrown up reaching maximum height and coming back to us, will be a straight line parallel to x-axis on the negative side of y?
 
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  • #2
The positive/negative is somewhat of a choice (/convention) but a straight line, yes.
 
  • #3
phinds said:
The positive/negative is somewhat of a choice (/convention) but a straight line, yes.
If you go a really long way up, the Inverse Square Law will start to kick in significantly and the straight line will start to dip towards the 'x axis'.
 
  • #4
sophiecentaur said:
If you go a really long way up, the Inverse Square Law will start to kick in significantly and the straight line will start to dip towards the 'x axis'.

Good point. Thanks for that addition. I'm used to thinking in terms of problems that talk about something going up for maybe 100 feet.
 
  • #5
Well, the radius of curvature of the Earth's surface is pretty massive by architectural and aeronautical standards. :D
 

1. What is an acceleration versus time graph?

An acceleration versus time graph is a visual representation of the relationship between an object's acceleration and the time it takes for that acceleration to occur. It plots the acceleration on the y-axis and time on the x-axis, with the slope of the line representing the object's acceleration.

2. How do you interpret an acceleration versus time graph?

The slope of an acceleration versus time graph represents the object's acceleration. A steeper slope indicates a greater acceleration, while a flatter slope indicates a slower acceleration. The area under the graph represents the object's change in velocity over a certain period of time.

3. What does a flat line on an acceleration versus time graph indicate?

A flat line on an acceleration versus time graph indicates that the object is not accelerating. This could mean that the object is moving at a constant velocity or is at rest.

4. How does the shape of an acceleration versus time graph relate to an object's motion?

The shape of an acceleration versus time graph can tell us a lot about an object's motion. A straight line with a positive slope indicates a constant acceleration, while a curved line indicates a changing acceleration. A horizontal line represents constant velocity, and a horizontal line at the x-axis represents no motion.

5. What is the difference between a positive and negative slope on an acceleration versus time graph?

A positive slope on an acceleration versus time graph indicates a positive acceleration, meaning the object is speeding up. A negative slope indicates a negative acceleration, meaning the object is slowing down. A zero slope indicates no acceleration, and the object is moving at a constant velocity.

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