What Does the Area Under an Acceleration-Time Graph Indicate?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the implications of the area under an acceleration-time graph, specifically what it represents and the behavior of a particle when the graph is above or below the axis. The subject area is kinematics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the meaning of the area under the graph and questioning why it cannot represent velocity or speed. There is also confusion regarding the implications of negative acceleration and its relationship to particle motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts and interpretations. Some have provided insights into the relationship between acceleration and velocity, while others are seeking further clarification on the concepts presented.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion about the problem statements and hints provided, indicating a need for deeper exploration of the concepts involved.

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Homework Statement



(a) What does the area under the acceleration-time graph represent? (Hint: it is NOT velocity or speed).

(b) What is a particle doing when the graph is above or below the axis? (Hint: a graph below the axis does NOT necessarily mean deceleration).

The Attempt at a Solution



Can someone explain these two for me, I am very confused.
 
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The area under the acceleration-time graph = a*Δt = ...?
 
rl.bhat said:
The area under the acceleration-time graph = a*Δt = ...?

v? but the questions says "it is NOT velocity or speed"! :confused:
 
The area under the acceleration time graph along a given time interval is the change in velocity along that interval, and a negative acceleration means that the particle's velocity becomes more negative. Negative acceleration may not necessarily be deceleration, since the particle's velocity could be in the negative direction itself, thus a negative acceleration speeds up the particle! A positive acceleration just means that the particle's velocity becomes more positive with respect to time
 

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