Distance-time Graph and Velocity-time Graphs

In summary, to draw a velocity-time graph from a distance-time graph, you can obtain the velocity at different times from the DT graph and use that information to draw the VT graph. It is important to be familiar with the mathematical relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration. If the velocity is constant, the position will change at a constant rate over time. To draw the graphs, set up the axes for both position and velocity, using the same scale on the time axis. Then, for each time, plot the slope of the position graph on the velocity graph. It may be helpful to imagine zooming in on the position graph and determining the slope of the line at a specific point. Keep in mind whether the slope is positive, negative
  • #1
Alain12345
37
0
Can someone please explain to me how to draw a velocity-time graph from a distance-time graph? Are there any general rules about drawing a VT graph from DT graph?

Thanks a lot.
 
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  • #2
From a DT graph, you can obtain the velocity at different times. With that information you can draw your VT graph.
 
  • #3
Are you familiar with the mathematical relationships between position, velocity and acceleration?
 
  • #4
Yes I am, but I'm having trouble drawing th graphs.
 
  • #5
Alain12345 said:
Yes I am, but I'm having trouble drawing th graphs.
Well then, if the velocity is constant, what does the position do with respect to time?
 
  • #6
Velocity is the slope on the distance vs. time graph.

Beneath your distance vs time graph, setup the axes for the velocity vs time... choose the same scale on the time axis for both position and velocity... and line them up.

Now, for each time t, visit the point [event] on the position graph and imagine zooming in. Assuming a smooth enough motion, the graph near that point looks like a line [in your viewport]. Determine the slope of that line and plot, for that time t, the value on the velocity graph. [If you are just doing a sketch, just approximate that slope... is the slope positive, negative, or zero? After advancing to a later time, does that slope increase, decrease or stay the same? It may help to "ride the position graph" with your left hand.]

Try that out.
 

FAQ: Distance-time Graph and Velocity-time Graphs

What is a distance-time graph?

A distance-time graph is a visual representation of an object's distance from a starting point over a period of time. The distance is typically plotted on the vertical axis, while time is plotted on the horizontal axis. This type of graph can show the speed of an object, as well as the direction it is moving in.

How do you interpret a distance-time graph?

To interpret a distance-time graph, you can look at the slope or steepness of the line. A steeper line indicates a greater speed, while a flatter line indicates a slower speed. If the line is horizontal, it means the object is not moving. Additionally, the distance between two points on the graph represents the total distance traveled over that time period.

What is a velocity-time graph?

A velocity-time graph, also known as a speed-time graph, is a graphical representation of an object's velocity (speed and direction) over a period of time. The velocity is plotted on the vertical axis, while time is plotted on the horizontal axis. This type of graph can show changes in an object's speed and direction, as well as whether it is accelerating or decelerating.

How do you interpret a velocity-time graph?

To interpret a velocity-time graph, you can look at the slope of the line. A positive slope indicates a positive acceleration (speeding up), a negative slope indicates a negative acceleration (slowing down), and a flat line indicates a constant velocity (no acceleration). The area under the line represents the total distance traveled by the object.

What is the difference between a distance-time graph and a velocity-time graph?

A distance-time graph shows the relationship between an object's distance and time, while a velocity-time graph shows the relationship between an object's velocity and time. A distance-time graph can give information about an object's speed and direction, but a velocity-time graph can also show changes in speed and direction, as well as whether the object is accelerating or decelerating.

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