Distance-time Graph and Velocity-time Graphs

  • Thread starter Thread starter Alain12345
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Graph Graphs
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between distance-time (DT) graphs and velocity-time (VT) graphs, specifically how to derive a VT graph from a given DT graph. Participants are exploring the mathematical connections between position, velocity, and acceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the process of obtaining velocity from a distance-time graph and the implications of constant velocity on position over time. Questions about general rules for drawing VT graphs from DT graphs are raised.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the drawing of the VT graph, suggesting methods to determine slopes from the DT graph. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants express challenges in visualizing and drawing the graphs, indicating a need for clarification on the graphical relationships and the mathematical principles involved.

Alain12345
Messages
37
Reaction score
0
Can someone please explain to me how to draw a velocity-time graph from a distance-time graph? Are there any general rules about drawing a VT graph from DT graph?

Thanks a lot.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
From a DT graph, you can obtain the velocity at different times. With that information you can draw your VT graph.
 
Are you familiar with the mathematical relationships between position, velocity and acceleration?
 
Yes I am, but I'm having trouble drawing th graphs.
 
Alain12345 said:
Yes I am, but I'm having trouble drawing th graphs.
Well then, if the velocity is constant, what does the position do with respect to time?
 
Velocity is the slope on the distance vs. time graph.

Beneath your distance vs time graph, setup the axes for the velocity vs time... choose the same scale on the time axis for both position and velocity... and line them up.

Now, for each time t, visit the point [event] on the position graph and imagine zooming in. Assuming a smooth enough motion, the graph near that point looks like a line [in your viewport]. Determine the slope of that line and plot, for that time t, the value on the velocity graph. [If you are just doing a sketch, just approximate that slope... is the slope positive, negative, or zero? After advancing to a later time, does that slope increase, decrease or stay the same? It may help to "ride the position graph" with your left hand.]

Try that out.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
25
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K