Position of a particle from the graph of its velocity

In summary, the conversation discussed the problem of determining if x is less than zero at point A based on a graph of the particle's speed over time. The solution involved using the function v = -a(t-b)^2+c and taking its integral to find the relationship between x and t. It was concluded that the constant must be less than zero at point A for x to be less than zero. However, there was confusion about how the authors determined this constant and why they stated that x<0 at A.
  • #1
Tarrok
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Homework Statement


Problem: how do we know for sure if x is <0 for point A?
AglX2zq.png

Vx-t is a graph of particle's speed over time.
x represents position of the particle at any given time

The Attempt at a Solution


From the function that we can see on the left side of the picture we can deduce the formula for it. It should be something like v = -a(t-b)^2+c, where a,b and c are some unknown constants >0.

So i attempted to use wolframalpha to plot a function similar to this:
LKtbnn1.png

And then I took integral of this function to find the connection between x (position of the particle) and t:
bsRhj1K.png

From this function we can see that if the constant is equal to zero, then position x of the particle at t=0 should be zero. This means that since the textbook says that at point A x<0, our constant is =/=0, but instead is a negative number.

But how do they know that constant is <0 at point A?
All we have is a graph of the derivate of the function of particle's position (x) over time. When we take a derivative of this, the constant turns into zero, so I don't see the way that authors used to determine whether the constant is >0, <0 or 0. Why do they state that x<0 at A then if it could actually be anything?

Thanks for help!
 
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  • #2
A graph of velocity against time does not imply an initial position. The book must have stated or assumed that ##x(t=0) < 0##.
 
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FAQ: Position of a particle from the graph of its velocity

What is the position of a particle at a specific time from the graph of its velocity?

The position of a particle at a specific time can be determined by finding the area under the velocity-time graph from the initial time to the specific time. The position can be calculated using the formula: position = initial position + area under the graph.

How can the displacement of a particle be determined from its velocity graph?

The displacement of a particle can be determined by finding the area under the velocity-time graph. The direction of the displacement can be determined by the sign of the area (positive for displacement in the positive direction and negative for displacement in the negative direction).

What does a horizontal line on a velocity graph represent?

A horizontal line on a velocity graph represents that the particle is not moving (zero velocity) at that specific time.

What does a positive slope on a velocity graph indicate?

A positive slope on a velocity graph indicates that the particle is moving in the positive direction (increasing velocity) at that specific time.

How can the acceleration of a particle be determined from its velocity graph?

The acceleration of a particle can be determined by finding the slope of the velocity-time graph. The steeper the slope, the greater the acceleration. A positive slope indicates positive acceleration (speeding up) and a negative slope indicates negative acceleration (slowing down).

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