Velocity-time graph from distance-time table

[Sh4dman]

Homework Statement

A distance-time graph has been given, and I'm required to draw the v-t graph (question has been added with attempt at solution as a picture. It's question d of no.2.) I've added my answer but I don't know if it's correct or not.

Relevant Equations

s = vt
s = (u + v)t/2

Question:

Answer:

 

[PeroK]

Part d) is not clear to me. When it says distance, does it mean displacement? Does it assume constant acceleration in each phase of 4 seconds? Why would a motorcycle only change speed every four seconds? Is the starting speed zero or 2m/s? You can't tell even that from the data given.

Are these distances in each period of four seconds? Distance can never be negative, so that would make more sense.

 

[Sh4dman]

Part d) is not clear to me. When it says distance, does it mean displacement? Does it assume constant acceleration in each phase of 4 seconds? Why would a motorcycle only change speed every four seconds? Is the starting speed zero or 2m/s? You can't tell even that from the data given.

Are these distances in each period of four seconds? Distance can never be negative, so that would make more sense.

I think by distance, the question probably means the total displacement from an initial point. Could be a translation error as english version questions are generally translated from our other language.
As for the question related to the initial speed, should I have started the graph from t = 4s?

 

[PeroK]

I think by distance, the question probably means the total displacement from an initial point. Could be a translation error as english version questions are generally translated from our other language.
As for the question related to the initial speed, should I have started the graph from t = 4s?

I'd stick with what you have. One way to check is to do a step function or bar graph showing the average velocity for each period of 4 seconds. Your graph should bisect the bar graph at the midpoint of each bar. If that makes sense.

 

[Sh4dman]

I'd stick with what you have. One way to check is to do a step function or bar graph showing the average velocity for each period of 4 seconds. Your graph should bisect the bar graph at the midpoint of each bar. If that makes sense.

By midpoint of the bars, do you mean like the exact center of the bars?

 

[PeroK]

By midpoint of the bars, do you mean like the exact center of the bars?

Yes. That's another way to do the problem. Start with the "frequency polygon" and draw the velocity from that.

Although, I'd say: draw a graph of average velocity first and use that to draw the velocity graph.

 

[Sh4dman]

Yes. That's another way to do the problem. Start with the "frequency polygon" and draw the velocity from that.

Although, I'd say: draw a graph of average velocity first and use that to draw the velocity graph.

Is this what you meant by the graphs bisecting?