Predicting Position for velocity time graph

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on predicting position from a velocity-time graph by estimating the area under the curve. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between the areas represented by the curves for two different entities, referred to as "me" and "grandma." The key takeaway is that the areas can be approximated without specific numerical values on the y-axis, allowing for a qualitative analysis to determine when the distances from the starting point are equal for both graphs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of velocity-time graphs
  • Knowledge of calculating areas of geometric shapes (triangles and rectangles)
  • Familiarity with the concept of integration as area under a curve
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for estimating areas under curves in physics
  • Learn about the principles of kinematics related to velocity and position
  • Explore graphical analysis techniques for interpreting motion graphs
  • Study the concept of definite integrals in calculus for precise area calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on kinematics and graph interpretation, as well as educators looking for effective teaching strategies for graph analysis.

qwertyqwert321
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


6nUNpNB.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I honestly have no clue as to how to go about this question. Am i supposed to find the area under the curve? but how do i do that without y-axis numbers. am i supposed to look at the slopes?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
qwertyqwert321 said:
Am i supposed to find the area under the curve? but how do i do that without y-axis numbers. am i supposed to look at the slopes?
You only need to estimate the areas close enough to decide among the possible answers.
 
Hi querty:

I first note that the values given along the X-axis omits 6. I assume that is is a typo, and that the last two ticks are for 6 and 7 rather than 7 and 8. I also note that none of the 5 given answers matches my estimate of the correct time.

The question is: at what point in time is the distance from the starting point the same for the two graphs. Your idea about area is good. Hint: You are not being asked to find the distance corresponding to the desired time.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi querty:

I first note that the values given along the X-axis omits 6. I assume that is is a typo, and that the last two ticks are for 6 and 7 rather than 7 and 8. I also note that none of the 5 given answers matches my estimate of the correct time.

The question is: at what point in time is the distance from the starting point the same for the two graphs. Your idea about area is good. Hint: You are not being asked to find the distance corresponding to the desired time.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
Okay so I would calculate :
area of me = 0.5 b * h
area of grandma = 0.5 bh + lw ( split the curve into triangle and rectangle )

would i then : area of me - area of grandma ?
 
Hi querty:

Since you have no numbers for the Y-axis, I suggest you just eyeball it. Imagine a vertical line at the time T when the areas are the same. Estimate the area of grandma minus me, that is the area between the curve and the line. Between the beginning of the graph and the point P when the two graphs cross is area A. Between P and T the area between the graphs is area B. The total area between the beginning and T under grandma will equal the total area under me. How will A and B relate to each other?

Regards,
Buzz
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
654
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
2K