Help with Graphs Homework: Find Velocity at t=7.0s

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves three particles moving along the x-axis, each with an initial velocity of 10 m/s at t=0s. Participants are tasked with determining the velocity of each particle at t=7.0s using the geometry of provided graphs: a position-versus-time graph for particle A, a velocity-versus-time graph for particle B, and an acceleration-versus-time graph for particle C.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the area under the curves of the graphs and the velocities of the particles. There are attempts to calculate velocities using geometric interpretations, such as finding slopes and areas. Some participants express uncertainty about the calculations for particle C and question the interpretation of the acceleration graph.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided feedback on the calculations for particles A and B, suggesting that the original poster reconsider their approach and double-check values. The discussion remains open regarding particle C, with some participants expressing confusion and others working through the geometry of the graph.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to work with the graphs rather than kinematic equations, and there is an emphasis on understanding the geometric relationships represented in the graphs. Some participants are questioning the assumptions made about the behavior of the particles, particularly regarding the acceleration of particle C.

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Homework Statement


Three particles move along the x-axis, each starting with v= 10m/s at t_0 = 0s. The graph for A is a position-versus-time graph; the graph for B is a velocity-versus-time graph; the graph for C is an acceleration-versus-time graph.

Find each particle's velocity at t = 7.0s. Work with the geometry of the graphs, not with kinematic equations.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/5497/phys.jpg

Homework Equations


A=1/2(b)(h)
A=bh

The Attempt at a Solution



Particle A:
A=1/2(5)(50)
=125m/7s
=-17.85m/s, negative because the particle is moving leftwards.

Particle B:

Since this is a Velocity vs. Time graph, the Velocity axis shows the object to be moving at 20m/s.

Particle C:

At t=2s, the car stops(?) and begins to accelerate till t=8s. At t=7s, would the acceleration be 50m/s^2?

Can anyone check if I'm doing these correctly at all, and if not can you advise me, please?
 
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A:

Not quite. Velocity is the derivative of position - its rate of change. Find the slope of the graph at t=7 and you've got the particle's velocity.

B:

Double check that answer. Very small error, but you've got the right idea. You do just need to find the graph's value at t=7, but take another look at what that value is.

I'm not totally sure how to do C at the moment, I'll keep thinking.
 
A. Displacement is area under the curve ie, from the line to the x axis. So you would find the areas of the larger odd shape, and the take away the area of the small triangle then divide by t. OR think about what the slope is. it's [tex]\Delta y / \Delta x[/tex] In this case y is displacement, and x is time. So that means that the slope would be what?

B. Yes

C. In an a/t graph, area under the curve would be velocity change.
 
Ok, so:
A) -10m/s
B) -20m/s

I'm still a bit confused by C, do you just mean the area just under t=2s to t=7s?
 
A and B are correct, I'm still not sure on C.
 
Oh, I got it. I found the triangle area from t=2s to t=7s. Then I found the area of the rectangle underneath it. Which ended up being 125-50 = 75m/s.

Thanks for the help!
 

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