How to find velocity from an acceleration versus time graph?

Thread starter jmanz
Start date May 20, 2009
Tags

Acceleration Graph Time Velocity

In summary, velocity can be calculated by finding the slope of the line on an acceleration versus time graph, acceleration is the rate of change of velocity while velocity is the rate of change of displacement, the velocity on an acceleration versus time graph can be negative, a straight line on an acceleration versus time graph indicates constant acceleration, and it is possible for an object to have a non-zero acceleration and a constant velocity, such as when moving in a circular path.

May 20, 2009

jmanz

How to find velocity from an acceleration versus time graph??

I have an... a vs t graph, how do i find the velocity at a given time ex: t=5.0

Physics news on Phys.org

May 20, 2009

rock.freak667

Homework Helper

Ask yourself, what is the definition of acceleration.

May 24, 2009

brusier

Does a = dV/dt help??

May 24, 2009

LowlyPion

Homework Helper

brusier said:

Does a = dV/dt help??

It helps a bit if you rearrange things.

a = dV/dt

dV = a*dt

V = ∫a dt

Related to How to find velocity from an acceleration versus time graph?

1. How is velocity calculated from an acceleration versus time graph?

Velocity can be calculated by finding the slope of the line on the acceleration versus time graph. This can be done by selecting two points on the line and dividing the change in velocity by the change in time.

2. What is the difference between acceleration and velocity?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, while velocity is the rate of change of displacement. Acceleration measures how quickly an object's velocity is changing, while velocity measures the speed and direction of an object's motion.

3. Can the velocity on an acceleration versus time graph be negative?

Yes, the velocity on an acceleration versus time graph can be negative. A negative velocity indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the positive axis on the graph.

4. How does a straight line on an acceleration versus time graph indicate constant acceleration?

A straight line on an acceleration versus time graph indicates constant acceleration because the slope of the line remains the same. This means that the acceleration is not changing over time, resulting in a constant rate of change in velocity.

5. Is it possible for an object to have a non-zero acceleration and a constant velocity?

Yes, it is possible for an object to have a non-zero acceleration and a constant velocity. This can occur when an object is moving at a constant speed in a circular path, where the direction of the velocity is changing but the magnitude remains the same.