Acceleration for Position-time graphs

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around interpreting acceleration in position-time graphs. In the first graph, a negative slope indicates the object is speeding up, resulting in negative acceleration. Conversely, the second graph also has a negative slope but shows the object slowing down, leading to positive acceleration. The confusion arises from understanding the relationship between slope steepness and acceleration direction. Clarifying the second derivative's role in determining acceleration helps resolve the misunderstanding regarding the graphs' behaviors.
Yodaa
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Yodaa said:
1. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/1DKin/U1L3a16.gif
2. http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/1DKin/U1L3a17.GIF

In the first graph, I get that that the slope is negative and that the object is speeding up
And in the second graph, the slope is negative and the object is slowing down
But I'm unable to understand why the first graph has negative acceleration while the second one has positive acceleration?

Your question reversed the graphs?
In the first graph, the slope is getting steeper, speed up.
In the second graph, slope is getting less steep, slowing down.
 
berkeman said:
Acceleration is the second derivative of the position versus time... :smile:
@berkeman I am sorry i don't understand how that relates to negative acceleration for the first and positive acceleration for the second:oldconfused:
 
mathman said:
Your question reversed the graphs?
In the first graph, the slope is getting steeper, speed up.
In the second graph, slope is getting less steep, slowing down.

@mathman that is exactly what i mentioned above...
 
Yodaa said:
@berkeman I am sorry i don't understand how that relates to negative acceleration for the first and positive acceleration for the second:oldconfused:

Do you understand the difference between the 2nd derivative of y=x2 and y=-x2?

Plot each of those two functions, and look at the nature of the curvature. One is curving UP, while the other is curving DOWN. So which one will give you a positive second derivative, and which one will give you a negative second derivative?

Zz.
 
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