Finding acceleration from Velocity vs Position graph

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining acceleration from a velocity vs. position graph, ultimately concluding that the correct answer is E. The confusion arose from misinterpreting the graph type, as the derivative cannot be taken directly due to the graph's nature. The participant utilized the equation v = cx and applied the chain rule to derive acceleration, leading to the conclusion that acceleration is expressed as a linear function of position, specifically a = m^2x + mb.

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  • Familiarity with linear functions and their properties.
  • Knowledge of kinematic equations relating velocity, acceleration, and position.
  • Basic grasp of graph interpretation in physics.
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iceninja3
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Homework Statement
The velocity versus position plot of a particle is shown on the right. Which of the following choices is the correct acceleration vs position plot of the particle (picture attached)?
Relevant Equations
dv/dt = a
dx/dt = v
Screen Shot 2022-12-18 at 3.24.12 PM.png

The answer is E. I was initially very confused as to why the answer was not A but realized that the graph was velocity vs position (rather than velocity vs time) which means I can't simply take the derivative of the given graph.

One thing I tried was writing out the equation first(c being a constant):
v = cx
*differentiating both sides with respect to time*
a = c•(v) = (c^2)•x
So a constant times x which rules out choices B and D.

Having recognized that I am still not sure how to move forward to prove to myself the answer is E. Any hints?
 
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Think about the velocity as a function of ##x## as a linear function:

$$v(x) = b + mx $$

You are going to use the chain rule to get ##\frac{dv}{ dt}##
 
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erobz said:
Think about the velocity as a function of ##x## as a linear function:

$$v(x) = b + mx $$

You are going to use the chain rule to get ##\frac{dv}{ dt}##
Ohhh I see. So if I do the chain rule I would get:
a = mv and then substituting x back:
a = m(mx+b)
a = m^2x + mb
m^2x + mb rules out B and D because x is linear. And rules out C because the y-intercept is nonzero. And rules out A because the slope is nonzero.

Thank you so much!
 
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