Finding Instantaneous acceleration from a velocity-time graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the instantaneous acceleration from a velocity-time graph, specifically at t2 = 31 s. Participants are exploring the relationship between the slope of the tangent at a point on the graph and the calculation of acceleration, while also considering average acceleration over different time intervals.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of determining instantaneous acceleration as the slope of the tangent line at a specific point on the graph. There are questions regarding the validity of certain calculated values and the implications of points where the graph changes direction.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to calculate the instantaneous acceleration, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their answers. There is a recognition of the complexity at the corner point of the graph, and while one participant claims to have resolved their confusion, the overall conversation reflects ongoing exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention previous calculations of average acceleration over specified intervals, which may influence their understanding of instantaneous acceleration. There is also a note about the potential for undefined slopes at certain points on the graph.

MitsuShai
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Graph: http://s324.photobucket.com/albums/k327/ProtoGirlEXE/?action=view&current=Capture.jpg
What is the instantaneous acceleration at t2 = 31 s?

I know that the instantaneous acceleration is the slope of the tangent of that point and yes I do know I have to convert it to (m/s^2). But I am still not getting the right answers. Here are a list of answers I imputed and they are all wrong:
-.1
0
-2
-1
-1.9
1.9
-.278
-.52

on the first few, I forgot to convert. I used 58/31 the last time...

The question had parts to it, but I don't know if they are necessary to solve this problem...here it is anyways:
A) Compute the average acceleration during the time interval t = 0s to t = 10s. 1.7
B) Compute the average acceleration during the time interval t = 30s to t = 40s. -1.7
C) Compute the average acceleration during the time interval t = 10s to t = 30s. 0
What is the instantaneous acceleration at t1 = 29 s. 0
I already computed this and got them right.
 
Last edited:
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It looks like its either going to be 0 or its going to be at that corner, where the rate of change is not going to be defined.
 
Whitishcube said:
It looks like its either going to be 0 or its going to be at that corner, where the rate of change is not going to be defined.

I put zero and it was wrong and I don't think undefined is an appropriate answer because 30 is exactly at that corner and it has an acceleration, which I used to solve part B with.
 
Graph: http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k327/ProtoGirlEXE/Capture.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
nevermind I got it now.
 

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