How Do Acceleration-Time Graphs Explain Motion?

In summary, a 2 kg body moving along a straight line has an acceleration graph with a slope of -0.5 m/s^2 and an average force of -1 N. There was initial confusion about the sign of the force, but it was determined to be negative based on the given data.
  • #1
Spruance
33
0
A 2,0 kg body moves along a straight line.

bilde.gif


x={0,2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20} s
f(x)={10,10,20,30,50,50,50,20,10,5,0} m/s


a)
Make a acceleration-time graph

c)
Calculate the average force working on this body
 
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  • #2
I tried to make a acceleration graph. However, something is wrong with it.

ww.png



c) First I tried to find the average acceleration,

a = ((v - v0)/(t-t1)) = (0 m/s - 10 m/s)/(20-0)) = -0,5 m/s^2

then

E = ma

= 2 kg * -0,5 m/s^2

= - 1 N


Can anyone correct me?
 
  • #3
From the data given, both your graphs and calculations are correct. Why do you believe it be wrong?

~H
 
  • #4
Ok. It is - 1 N, and not 1 N?
 
  • #5
Spruance said:
Ok. It is - 1 N, and not 1 N?

Yes, it is -1N from the given data.

~H
 

FAQ: How Do Acceleration-Time Graphs Explain Motion?

What is an acceleration-time graph?

An acceleration-time graph is a visual representation of an object's acceleration over a period of time. It shows how the velocity of an object changes over time due to acceleration.

What does the slope of an acceleration-time graph represent?

The slope of an acceleration-time graph represents the object's acceleration. A steeper slope indicates a higher acceleration, while a flatter slope indicates a lower acceleration.

How can you determine an object's velocity from an acceleration-time graph?

The velocity of an object can be found by calculating the area under the curve of an acceleration-time graph. The greater the area, the greater the change in velocity.

Can an object have a constant acceleration on an acceleration-time graph?

Yes, an object can have a constant acceleration on an acceleration-time graph if the slope of the graph is a straight line. This means that the object's acceleration is not changing over time.

What happens to an object's velocity when the acceleration-time graph is a horizontal line?

If the acceleration-time graph is a horizontal line, it means that the object's acceleration is 0. Therefore, the object's velocity will remain constant over time.

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