Calculating Average Acceleration from a Distance vs Time Graph | Lab Question

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating average acceleration from a distance vs. time graph in a lab setting involving a puck on a slope. The original poster seeks assistance in determining average acceleration based on plotted points from the graph, specifically focusing on the right half of the graph without labeling.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate average acceleration by first determining the velocity at various intervals based on distance and time. Some participants question the completeness of the original poster's work and encourage showing all calculations for further assistance.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaged in exploring the calculations related to velocity and acceleration. The original poster has provided some calculations but has not reached a final answer for acceleration. There is an ongoing dialogue about the proper approach to take and the need for clarity in the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is new to the forum and may not be fully aware of the posting guidelines regarding homework help. There is an emphasis on showing work to facilitate better guidance.

saad1109
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Graph of Motion Pls help urgent

Case: We are performing a lab in our class in which on a slop (made from books) is made. Then we graph the motion of a puck via a machine which places a parabola type curve on the graph lick a ticker tape timer. The points were plotted under the motion of the puck.
the question i would like for u to solve would be something like this:

In a

Distance vs Distance Graph, or Displacement vs Displacement graph,
given interval between each point is .05 seconds, how would you find the average acceleration or the acceleration of the object, if the graph looks like this :

ONLY LOOK AT HALF OF THE GRAPH, THAT IS THE RIGHT HALF & IGNORE ANY LABELLING.

http://xamplified.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/image0042.jpg


I WOULD DEEPLY BE THK YOU TO U IF U SOLVE THIS!
 
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You should read the forum rules regarding posting homework. You are supposed to show what you know and how far you can get, and then you'll get help to take you further. Asking for someone to just solve your problem for you isn't the way this forum works.
 


ohh sorry I'm new...i just didn't know...i tried it by getting the velocity between each points...given the distance and time between the points...but i am unable to go any further and find the acceleration
 


saad1109 said:
ohh sorry I'm new...i just didn't know...i tried it by getting the velocity between each points...given the distance and time between the points...but i am unable to go any further and find the acceleration

Show. Us. Your. Work.
 


ok would this work fine:


*Velocity of each interval:

V1 = 0.02m /0.05s = 0.4 m/s

V2 = 0.025m /0.05s = 0.5 m/s

V3 = 0.015m /0.05s = 0.3 m/s

V4 = 0.018m /0.05s = 0.36 m/s

V5 = 0.016m /0.05s = 0.32 m/s

V6 = 0.019m /0.05s = 0.38 m/s

V7 = 0.022m /0.05s = 0.44 m/s

V8 = 0.021m /0.05s = 0.42 m/s

V9 = 0.025m /0.05s = 0.5 m/s

*Vav =

0.4 m/s + 0.5 m/s + 0.3 m/s + 0.36 m/s + 0.32 m/s + 0.38 m/s + 0.44 m/s + 0.42 m/s + 0.5 m/s
9

= .402 m/s

* Total Distance = 0.02m + 0.025m + 0.015m + 0.018m + 0.016m + 0.019m + 0.022m + 0.025m
= .181m

* Total Time = .05 x 9
= .45 sec

Total Time Total Distance Average Velocity Acceleration
.45 sec .181m .402 m/s ?

Formulae: d = (v)(t) + ½(a)(t^2) or a = 2(d – (v)(t) / t^2)

a = 2(0.181 – (.402)(.45) / .45^2)
= 9.9 x (10^-3) m/s^2= or 0.00099 m/s^2
 

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