What does the slope of a speed vs. time graph represent?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Motion Time
Click For Summary
The slope of a speed vs. time graph represents the acceleration of an object. Participants in the discussion clarify that the slope indicates instantaneous acceleration rather than average acceleration. There is some debate about terminology, but the consensus leans towards instantaneous acceleration being the correct interpretation. Understanding the axes of the graph is crucial for this determination. Overall, the key takeaway is that the slope directly correlates to how speed changes over time.
Astar
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Complete the sentence:
If you are presented with a graph of speed vs time the slope of the graph at any point will represent the ... ... of an object.

Homework Equations


n/a


The Attempt at a Solution



I think the answer would be acceleration or possibly average acceleration(?)as there are two spaces to fill in. Any clearing up on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think It is better to go back to the definition of the slope, and you should determine which is the vertical axis and which is the horizontal axis ..
 
it will be acceleration
because as the time will pass the speed increases or decreases as it is a slope
n as there is only 1 slope so average acceleration? i don't think so...
i'll go for acceleration
 
no it's instantaneous acceleration.
 

Thread 'Magnitude of buoyant force in fluids of different densities'

The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?
View full post »

Similar threads

Slope of Force vs Frequency^2 and Radius vs Period^2 Graphs
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
8K
Slope of position vs time squared graph?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
13K
What does the slope of an Fapplied vs Fnormal graph represent?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Inconsistency in a Velocity-Time Graph
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
A child rolls a marble....Plot graphs etc.
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
6K
Comparing slopes and accelerations in a graph
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
C 12B 2021 #23Analyzing Motion Graphs: Understanding Slopes and Acceleration
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Flux and Induced EMF vs displacement graphs
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Velocity-time graph given. Plot acceleration vs time etc.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
Distance Velocity Graph: What Does the Area Represent?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K