Kinematic Graphing - Mission KG11 Detailed Help


Which position-time graph is equivalent to the given velocity-time graph?



 
A suitable approach to this question involves analyzing the velocity-time graph in order to develop a verbal description of the moving object it represents. Then match the verbal description to the particular features of a position-time graph would be consistent with such a motion.


 
The velocity-time graph displays a horizontal line located in the negative region of the graph (above the time axis). The horizontal line represents a motion with a constant velocity. Since only negative velocity values are plotted, the object has a negative velocity the entire time. Thus, the graph represents an object moving with a constant negative velocity.
 
A constant velocity motion is represented on a position-time graph by a straight diagonal line. A negative velocity is represented on a position-time graph by a line with negative slope.


 
Velocity-Time Graphs:
Velocity versus time graphs represent changes that occur in an object's velocity with respect to time. These graphs most commonly display horizontal lines or straight diagonal lines. Horizontal lines represent an object with a constant velocity. If the horizontal line is on the time axis, the object is at rest (a constant velocity of 0 m/s). If the horizontal line is above or below the time axis, then the object is moving with a constant positive or a constant negative velocity. Straight diagonal lines represent an accelerated motion. The slope of the line is the acceleration of the object.


 
Position-Time Graphs:
Position versus time graphs represent changes that occur in an object's position with respect to time. These graphs most commonly display horizontal lines, straight diagonal lines and curved lines. Horizontal lines represent an object at rest. Straight diagonal lines represent a constant speed motion. Curved lines represent an accelerated motion. The slope of the line is the velocity of the object. Steeply-sloped lines represent fast-moving objects. Gently-sloped lines represent slow-moving objects.


 

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