Velocity vs displcement graph

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the characteristics of a velocity vs displacement graph, particularly in the context of constant acceleration. Participants explore the mathematical relationships and graphical representations associated with this concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the equation representing a velocity vs displacement graph under constant acceleration, expressing confusion about the topic.
  • Another participant provides the equations of motion for constant acceleration and derives a relationship for velocity as a function of displacement, suggesting that the shape of the graph can be understood through this relationship.
  • A participant questions whether the derived equation is equivalent to a known kinematic equation, indicating a connection to familiar concepts.
  • There is a clarification that while the velocity does not decrease with displacement, the rate of change of velocity decreases, distinguishing between velocity and acceleration.
  • Participants discuss the naming of the graph, with one suggesting it might be a parabola and another stating that it is simply referred to as a velocity vs displacement graph without a specific name.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the interpretation of the graph's characteristics and its naming. There is no consensus on a specific name for the graph, and the discussion remains open regarding the implications of the derived equations.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the nature of acceleration and its relationship to displacement are present but not fully explored. The discussion includes references to mathematical derivations that may require further clarification.

hav0c
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i was wondering what the equation of the line/curve on a velocity vs displacement graph would be which would indicate constant acceleration.
I am totally stumped.
EDIT:please feel free to shift the thread to any other place if need be, but since it wasn't coursework this seemed to be the natural place.
 
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Well you know that in general the equation of motion for a particle of constant acceleration is given by:

[itex]x(t) = \frac{1}{2}at^2 + v_0t + x_0[/itex]

and

[itex]v(t) = at + v_0[/itex]


So, solving the first equation for t:

[itex]\frac{1}{2}at^2 + v_0t + (x_0 -x) = 0[/itex]
[itex]t = \frac{-v_0 \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)}}{a}[/itex]

Now plug that into the equation for v:

[itex]v(x) = \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)}[/itex]

I skipped some steps, so I encourage you to work the math out yourself, it's quite simple. Do you understand why the velocity changes slower and slower as the displacement increases? Once you see that, then you'll understand why it had to have that shape even without doing the math.
 
dipole said:
[itex]v(x) = \pm \sqrt{v_0^2 - 2a(x_0-x)}[/itex]
isn't this just v^2-u^2=2ax?

Anyways, i see that with increase in x, a decreases
therefore the graph looks like this?
(see attachment)
 

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Yes it look like that, but the velocity doesn't decrease with x, the rate of change of the velocity decreases with x. Not that this is not acceleration, because that is the change of velocity with respect to time.
 
then what is the name for this curve ? and is this the graph for velocity versus displacement ?
 
There is no separate name for the graph. It is simply the velocity vs displacement graph.
 
dodi said:
then what is the name for this curve ? and is this the graph for velocity versus displacement ?
Isn't it just a parabola? From school lessons y2 = 4ax
It is possible to plot more or less any variable against any other variable in a process and it may or may not give a useful picture. 'Names' aren't really very important and only used for the more common ones.
 
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