Finding Velocity & Error Analysis from Position vs Time Data

In summary, velocity is a measure of an object's speed and direction of motion, calculated by dividing the change in position by the change in time. Average velocity is the overall velocity over a period of time, while instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment. The uncertainty in velocity can be determined by calculating the slope of the best-fit line on the position vs time graph and finding the range of values that the slope could potentially fall within. Velocity can be negative, indicating motion in the opposite direction. In scientific research, velocity and error analysis are crucial in accurately measuring and analyzing an object's motion, leading to valuable insights and discoveries in various fields.
  • #1
eg24041
1
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Homework Statement


I have a physics lab due and need help finding a velocity vs time graph from a position vs time graph. I also need help finding the Mathematical error analysis from the data. here is the data for the position vs time graph

time(sec) position (cm)
0.0000 0
0.4084 10
0.6076 20
0.7420 30
0.8740 40
0.9890 50
1.0731 60
1.1791 70
1.2829 80
1.3671 90
1.4289 100
1.5152 110
1.5969 120
 
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  • #2
what have you tried so far?
 

1. What is velocity and how is it calculated?

Velocity is a measure of an object's speed and direction of motion. It is calculated by dividing the change in position by the change in time. In other words, it is the slope of the position vs time graph.

2. What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity?

Average velocity is the overall velocity of an object over a certain period of time, while instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment in time. Average velocity is calculated by dividing the total displacement by the total time, while instantaneous velocity is calculated using the slope of the tangent line at a specific point on the position vs time graph.

3. How do you determine the uncertainty or error in velocity from position vs time data?

The uncertainty in velocity can be determined by calculating the slope of the best-fit line on the position vs time graph and finding the range of values that the slope could potentially fall within based on the uncertainty in the position data. This range of values represents the uncertainty in the velocity measurement.

4. Can velocity be negative?

Yes, velocity can be negative. A negative velocity indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the positive direction on the position axis. For example, if an object is moving left, its velocity will be negative on a position vs time graph with the positive direction being to the right.

5. How can velocity and error analysis be useful in scientific research?

Velocity and error analysis are important in scientific research as they allow for the accurate measurement and analysis of an object's motion. By calculating velocity and determining the uncertainty in the measurement, scientists can better understand the behavior and patterns of objects in motion, which can lead to valuable insights and discoveries in various fields such as physics, engineering, and biology.

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