Velocity time graph find position, acce?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around analyzing a velocity-versus-time graph for a particle moving along the x-axis. The original poster seeks to determine the particle's position and acceleration at specific times based on the graph, initial position, and maximum velocity provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the position by calculating the area under the graph and questions the accuracy of their method. They also raise a question about calculating acceleration using the change in velocity over time.
  • One participant notes that acceleration can be determined from the slope of the velocity-time graph and emphasizes the importance of calculating the area under the graph to find the change in position.
  • Another participant inquires about how to find the area of a specific triangular section of the graph, seeking clarification on determining the height of that triangle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various methods to analyze the graph. Some guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between area and position, as well as the concept of acceleration as the slope of the graph. However, there is no explicit consensus on the methods being used or the results obtained.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the information provided in the problem, including the initial position and maximum velocity. There is an indication that some participants may have varying levels of familiarity with calculus, which affects their approaches to the problem.

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The velocity-versus-time graph is shown for a particle moving along the x-axis. Its initial position is xo=4.80 m at to=0.00 s. What is the particle's position at t=1.25 s if the total time the particle moves is 5.00 s and the maximum velocity is 2.00 m/s?


1)At t=3.75 s, what is the particle's position?

2)At t=3.75 s, what is the particle's acceleration?

I tried to find the position by finding the area up until 3.75,but the answer seems not right...
and acceleration i used v final - v initial / change in time. but I am not sure if it's right or not..

if some1 can help with the steps, that'll be great~thanks
 

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Acceleration is the slope of a velocity-time graph.
Change in position is the area under the graph from the start time to the end time. - Remember to add this to the initial position

Until you do calculus, you pretty much need to learn that by heart. (If you have some calculus, the above basically says a = dv/dt and that change in position is the integral of velocity.)

Slope = change in y/change in x
You need to calculate this for a straight portion of the graph. If there are kinks in the graph, it means the acceleration is changing. You need to work on a part where it's constant.
 
got it thanks.
 
how would you find the area for last small triangle 3-3.75s
1/5(0.75)(what would be height ?
 

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