Velocity graph (reverse direction)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on understanding whether an object reverses direction based on its velocity vs. time graph. A smart student might argue that the object reverses direction if the velocity changes from positive to negative, indicating a turnaround. Conversely, another student might claim it doesn't reverse direction if the velocity remains consistently positive or negative throughout the graph. The key to resolving this is recognizing that a change in sign of velocity, along with a moment of zero velocity, confirms a reversal. Clarifying these concepts can help avoid misunderstandings about interpreting velocity graphs.
Arlene87
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please explain to me about reverse direction. don't just give me an aswer :) thanks.

Consider the velocity vs. time graph shown here. focusing on the issue of whether the object turns around (reverese direction)

Velocity
|
| (TRIANGLE HERE)___time

a. why might a smart student say the object reverse direction?

b. why might a smart student say the object doesn't reverse direction?

c. does the object reverse direction? as part of your explanation, explain why the other argument is incorrect, and give advice to someone who made that mistake that can help them understand why they made the mistake and how they can avoid it in the future.
 
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Arlene87 said:
please explain to me about reverse direction. don't just give me an aswer :) thanks.

Consider the velocity vs. time graph shown here. focusing on the issue of whether the object turns around (reverese direction)

Velocity
|
| (TRIANGLE HERE)___time

a. why might a smart student say the object reverse direction?

b. why might a smart student say the object doesn't reverse direction?

c. does the object reverse direction? as part of your explanation, explain why the other argument is incorrect, and give advice to someone who made that mistake that can help them understand why they made the mistake and how they can avoid it in the future.

if an object reverses direction, then its velocity will be positive at some time, and negative at a later/earlier time. It will also be zero in between those two times.
Pretty hard to refer to you situation as I can't see if the (TRIANGLE HERE) is entirely above the time axis, entirely below the time axis or partially each?
 
this is the link of the worksheet its on page 4 (HW2-4) question A, b, c. the graph is on the side.
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

thanks for your help in advance.
 
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Arlene87 said:
this is the link of the worksheet its on page 4 (HW2-4) question A, b, c. the graph is on the side.
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Ph...utorial_HW.pdf

thanks for your help in advance.

That link doesn't work. It doesn't even look complete.
 
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http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

yea i just realized it.. here it is again. sorry about that
 
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Arlene87 said:
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

yea i just realized it.. here it is again. sorry about that

My first explanation of how you determine whether an object changed direction should be sufficient.
 
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