Interpreting and converting an acceleration-time graph

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting an acceleration-time graph and converting it to determine the particle's speed at a specific time. Participants are exploring the relationships between acceleration, velocity, and distance, particularly focusing on the implications of the area under the velocity graph.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze their previous calculations regarding the particle's speed at t = 20.0 s, expressing confusion about the relationship between the area under the velocity graph and distance. Some participants suggest revisiting the graph during the deceleration phase to clarify the changes in speed.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on re-evaluating the graph. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas as the original poster acknowledges a misunderstanding regarding the deceleration process.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of specific values and relationships in the graph that may not be fully detailed, leading to questions about the assumptions made in interpreting the graph.

ACSC
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Homework Statement



WL9HGAZ.png


Homework Equations



a = Δv/Δt
v = Δx/Δt
x = area under velocity graph

The Attempt at a Solution



According to my second attempt, the answer to "particle's speed at t = 20.0 s?" is not 15m/s either.
Working out picture.
I don't understand where I went wrong. I've always thought that the area under a velocity graph would give the distance.
If t=20s isn't v=15m/s, then maybe that's why? But according to the a-t graph, 5x-3=-15. :S
 
Last edited:
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Take another look at your graph for the deceleration phase. It slows down by 15m/s.
 
Ibix said:
Take another look at your graph for the deceleration phase. It slows down by 15m/s.

Oh... I see now. It doesn't slow down to 15m/s but slows down 15m/s.
So like this, right?
lL42HNY.png
 
ACSC said:
Oh... I see now. It doesn't slow down to 15m/s but slows down 15m/s.
So like this, right?
[ IMG]http://i.imgur.com/lL42HNY.png[/PLAIN]
That looks good !
 

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