- #1
ellieee
- 78
- 6
- Homework Statement
- qn (di)-> the graph is a v-t graph, so shouldn't we say "constant velocity" instead of "speed"?
- Relevant Equations
- nil
Can you use speed and velocity interchangeably?
Click For Summary
Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the concepts of speed and velocity, particularly in the context of one-dimensional motion. Participants explore whether these terms can be used interchangeably and the implications of their definitions in different types of motion.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Some participants attempt to clarify the distinction between speed and velocity, noting that speed refers to magnitude while velocity includes direction. Others question how to determine if motion is in a straight line based on provided data.
Discussion Status
The discussion is active, with participants raising questions about the assumptions made regarding the motion being straight. Some guidance is offered regarding the interpretation of a velocity-time graph, but no consensus has been reached.
Contextual Notes
Participants note that the provided data, including a screenshot of a graph, is incomplete, which affects their ability to infer the nature of the motion being discussed.
- #2
Doc Al
Mentor
- 45,581
- 2,453
Yes. It's better to describe it as constant velocity, as speed just describes the magnitude and not the sign. (I presume this is one-dimensional motion.)
- #3
Delta2
Homework Helper
- 6,002
- 2,628
In motion in a straight line such as in your example, the concepts of velocity and speed are almost identical: If speed is x, then velocity will be x or -x. I repeat, this holds only in motion in a straight line, it does not hold for other motions e.g. circular motion.
- #4
ellieee
- 78
- 6
how can you tell it's in a straight line ?Delta2 said:
Last edited by a moderator:
- #5
Delta2
Homework Helper
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I can not infer it from the given data (the screenshot of the graph isn't complete, doesn't completely show the text that describes the graph), somehow I thought it was given to you.ellieee said:
- #6
Doc Al
Mentor
- 45,581
- 2,453
Since they label it a velocity-time graph, where the velocity is constant it must be moving in a straight line. (Assuming it's labeled accurately.)ellieee said:
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