Velocity vs. Time Graph: Analyzing Slope Below X-Axis

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on analyzing a velocity vs. time graph where the slope is below the x-axis, specifically between 3 seconds (velocity of -30 m/s) and 6 seconds (velocity of 0 m/s). It is established that the acceleration is positive during this interval because the velocity is increasing from a negative value to zero. The acceleration is defined as the time derivative of velocity, indicating that a positive gradient on the velocity-time curve corresponds to positive acceleration.

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Gear2d
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I have question about the velocity vs. time graph about a slope that is below the x-axis. I was doing a problem about this:

I have the x-axis as my time and y-axis as my velocity. Now at 3 seconds where velocity is -30 m/s to 6 seconds where velocity is 0 m/s, is acceleration "+" because it is in the same direction as velocity (since velocity is getting more positive and positive, -30, -25, -15,...)?
 
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because t=6 seconds occurs later than t=3 seconds you should use v(3)=-30 as the *initial* velocity and v(6)=0 as the *final* velocity. Correct that and then you'll get the correct answer. Makes sense right?
 
Gear2d said:
I have question about the velocity vs. time graph about a slope that is below the x-axis. I was doing a problem about this:

I have the x-axis as my time and y-axis as my velocity. Now at 3 seconds where velocity is -30 m/s to 6 seconds where velocity is 0 m/s, is acceleration "+" because it is in the same direction as velocity (since velocity is getting more positive and positive, -30, -25, -15,...)?
Acceleration can be defined as the time derivative of velocity, which is the gradient on the velocity - time curve. So yes, if the gradient of the curve is positive (i.e. velocity is increasing) then the acceleration is positive.
 

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