- #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?
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SUMMARY
Speed and velocity can be used interchangeably in the context of one-dimensional motion, as speed refers to magnitude while velocity includes direction. In a straight line, if speed is represented as x, then velocity can be either x or -x. This equivalence does not apply to other types of motion, such as circular motion. The discussion emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling in graphs, particularly in identifying straight-line motion from a velocity-time graph.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic physics concepts, particularly motion.
- Familiarity with the definitions of speed and velocity.
- Knowledge of graph interpretation, especially velocity-time graphs.
- Basic comprehension of one-dimensional versus multi-dimensional motion.
- Research the differences between speed and velocity in physics.
- Study the characteristics of one-dimensional motion versus circular motion.
- Learn how to accurately interpret velocity-time graphs.
- Explore real-world applications of speed and velocity in various contexts.
Students of physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and anyone interested in the fundamentals of kinematics.
- #2
Doc Al
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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
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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:
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- #5
Delta2
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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
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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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