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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Astar
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Motion Time
AI Thread 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 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

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

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top