Integral of a position v time graph; meaningless?

In summary, integrating a position vs. time graph can be useful in finding the average position. The resulting unit would be in watt hours or kilowatt hours, which are units of energy. This can be understood by multiplying the units for watts by the units for hours. However, some may question why the unit is not simply called joules, as it is commonly seen in products such as surge protectors.
  • #1
pakmingki
93
1
So, you have a graph of velocity vs. time. You integrate, you get position. What if you have a position vs time graph? For example, meters vs. seconds. If you integrate it, you will get meters seconds. Now, does this mean anything? For example, I've heard of "watt hours" but i simply don't understand how this makes any sense. What would it mean to integrate a position vs time graph?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
One reason you might want to integrate it is to find the average position.

<x>=1/T Int[x(t)dt]
 
  • #3
Watt hours (more commonly seen as kilowatt hours--kwh) are a unit of energy.

Try multiplying the units for watts by the units for hours and see what you arrive with.

(J/t) * t = Joules
 
  • #4
o
why not just call them joules then?
ive seen products, such as surge protectors labeled with, "handles up to 16,000 joules."
 

1. What is an integral of a position v time graph?

An integral of a position v time graph is a mathematical operation that calculates the area under the curve of the graph. It is a representation of the total displacement or distance traveled over a specific time period.

2. Why is the integral of a position v time graph considered meaningless?

The integral of a position v time graph is considered meaningless because it does not provide any information about the velocity or acceleration of an object. It only represents the total distance traveled, but does not show how quickly or slowly the object was moving.

3. Can the integral of a position v time graph be negative?

Yes, the integral of a position v time graph can be negative. This would indicate that the object has traveled in the negative direction, such as moving backwards or in the opposite direction of the positive axis on the graph.

4. How is the integral of a position v time graph different from the derivative?

The derivative of a position v time graph represents the rate of change of the position over time, while the integral represents the total change in position over a specific time period. In other words, the derivative shows how quickly the object is moving, while the integral shows how far it has traveled.

5. What is the practical application of calculating the integral of a position v time graph?

The integral of a position v time graph is commonly used in physics and engineering to calculate displacement, distance, and work done by a force. It can also be used to analyze the motion of objects and predict their future position based on their past movements.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
891
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
726
Replies
10
Views
822
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
974
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top