Distance Velocity Graph: What Does the Area Represent?

In summary, the conversation revolved around a problem with a distance-velocity graph and the question of what the area of the graph represents. The person asking the question was directed to provide more information about the situation being modeled in order to determine the relationship between the two quantities.
  • #1
Balti
6
1
Summary: Gradient = Acceleration(?)
Area = Time (?)

Good evening,

I have a problem that presents itself in a distance (y) velocity (x) graph. I've never come across this, and in my Physics textbook, the section dedicated to graphs does not have it.

My question is, what does the area of the graph represent? Time?
 
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  • #2
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Please attach the figure to a reply. Since this is a schoolwork question, I will move this thread to the schoolwork forums for you. Thanks.
 
  • #3
In addition to attaching a figure, perhaps you could tell us something about the situation being modeled. What is happening? What distance is being graphed? What velocity is being graphed?

There's no way we can tell you how two random quantities are related without knowing what those quantities are.
 
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Likes berkeman

1. What is a distance-velocity graph?

A distance-velocity graph is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between distance and velocity over time. It is commonly used in physics and other sciences to visualize the motion of an object.

2. How do you interpret a distance-velocity graph?

The distance-velocity graph has distance on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. The slope of the graph represents the velocity, with steeper slopes indicating higher velocities. The area under the curve represents the distance traveled, with larger areas representing greater distances.

3. What does the area under the distance-velocity graph represent?

The area under the distance-velocity graph represents the total distance traveled by the object. This includes both the positive and negative distances, as the area can be both above and below the x-axis.

4. How does the slope of a distance-velocity graph relate to the velocity of an object?

The slope of a distance-velocity graph represents the velocity of the object. The steeper the slope, the higher the velocity. A horizontal line on the graph indicates that the object is not moving (velocity = 0), while a diagonal line indicates a constant velocity.

5. Can you determine the acceleration of an object from a distance-velocity graph?

Yes, you can determine the acceleration of an object from a distance-velocity graph by calculating the slope of the velocity curve. If the slope is constant, the object has a constant acceleration. A changing slope indicates a changing acceleration. Additionally, the area under the acceleration curve can also represent the change in velocity over time (i.e. the acceleration).

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