Kinematics, Position time Graph.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding how to determine velocity from a position-time graph, particularly when the time does not start at zero. Participants are exploring the implications of graph interpretation in the context of kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether to use a tangent line or calculate the change in position over time between two points. There is also a focus on clarifying the specifics of the position-time graph, including its scale and shape.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the graph's characteristics and expressing uncertainty about the interpretation of acceleration. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for more descriptive details and potentially a diagram to aid understanding.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the graph's time axis ranges from 0 to 1 hour and that the position is measured in kilometers. There is mention of the curve accelerating and then stopping, but the exact nature of the curve remains unclear.

pdot
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finding the velocity of a time that does not start at 0. i have the answer but i do not know how to do it. do i use a tangent or go from point one to point two? sorry for being the least bit descriptive, I'm not a genius.
 
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pdot said:
finding the velocity of a time that does not start at 0. i have the answer but i do not know how to do it. do i use a tangent or go from point one to point two? sorry for being the least bit descriptive, I'm not a genius.

You'll have to be the least bit more descriptive. :smile:

Can you give a specific example of what you mean?
 
i have a position time graph, going from 0 - 1.0. going up by .1 each centimetre on my metric graph paper. at first i am asked to find how fast the object is moving at .1 hours. the answer is 5.0km/h. i understood that, but then i am asked to find how fast it was for the first .5h . with this being said, i will tell you i am a tenth grade student taking physics 11.
 
So, to clarify, you have a position versus time graph. The x-axis is time, and its scale goes from 0 hours to 1 hour. The y-axis is position, and it goes from what to what? what are the units?

Now, the curve. Is it a straight line? Does it pass though the origin or does it have x or y intercepts?
 
the units are position ( km ) and time ( h ) . the curve accelerates and then stops at one hour. i would like to say sorry, as i am not as smart as you. you seem very intelligent.
 
I'm afraid that so far I can't quite picture the curve from the description so far. "The curve accelerates" could have many interpretations. Does it follow a parabolic curve during the acceleration?

Would it be possible for you to include a diagram?
 

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