Help with simple vector graph

In summary: Velocity is a vector that describes the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time, whereas acceleration is a vector that describes the rate of change of an object's velocity with respect to time. In this problem, the particle starts with a velocity of 5m/s and experiences a constant acceleration of -2m/s^2, resulting in a final velocity of -10m/s after 10 seconds. The total distance covered by the particle can be found by calculating the area under the velocity-time graph, which is 35m. The increase in displacement of the particle is also 35m, since it starts at a position of 0 and ends at a position of 35m.
  • #1

iamBevan

32
0
Hi guys - i need some help with a really simple problem. I've just started doing physics in college, and I've had a homework question that just doesn't work out for me (I also have the answers).

A particle moves in a straight line with a constant velocity of 5m/s for 2 seconds. It then moves with a constant acceleration of -2m/s^2 for 8 seconds. Sketch a velocity-time graph for the interval of 10 seconds and find:

a) the final velocity
b)the total distance covered by the particle
c)the increase in displacement of the particle

i'm getting -10m/s for a - then 44.5m for b.

Could someone tell me if I'm atleast heading in the right direction? (no pun intended)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
iamBevan said:
Hi guys - i need some help with a really simple problem. I've just started doing physics in college, and I've had a homework question that just doesn't work out for me (I also have the answers).

A particle moves in a straight line with a constant velocity of 5m/s for 2 seconds. It then moves with a constant acceleration of -2m/s^2 for 8 seconds. Sketch a velocity-time graph for the interval of 10 seconds and find:

a) the final velocity
b)the total distance covered by the particle
c)the increase in displacement of the particle

i'm getting -10m/s for a - then 44.5m for b.

Could someone tell me if I'm at least heading in the right direction? (no pun intended)

If the initial velocity is 5 [given] and the final velocity is -10 [your calculation] then the change is -15.

AN acceleration of -2 for 8 seconds does not give -15 .
 
  • #3
If I know my vector is -2m/s^2 then - how will I work out the final velocity of that vector from that?
 
  • #4
iamBevan said:
If I know my vector is -2m/s^2 then - how will I work out the final velocity of that vector from that?

Why did you say your vector was -2 m/s2?

Surely you meant your acceleration was -2 m/s2.
 
  • #5
Isn't the vector describing an acceleration?
 
  • #6
iamBevan said:
Isn't the vector describing an acceleration?

Both velocity and acceleration are vectors
 

Suggested for: Help with simple vector graph

Vertical Velocity Graph versus Time on a Slope
Replies
2
Views
34
Simple Addition of Vector Forces on an Eye-Hook
Replies
26
Views
781
Velocity-time graph from distance-time table
Replies
6
Views
491
Points of inflection on acceleration graph
Replies
12
Views
778
Combination of 2 formulas for a graph
Replies
31
Views
1K
Drawing the Graph: Analyzing Solutions and Questions
Replies
2
Views
523
Need help with the interpretation of this v(t) graph
Replies
34
Views
1K
Velocity-Time Graph problem
Replies
7
Views
623
Airplane Vector Problem: Drawing the diagram
Replies
10
Views
603
Vector questions with X and Y Components
Replies
15
Views
850

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top