- #1
beasteye
- 7
- 0
So let's assume an object moves along a straight line relative to some fixed origin. Clearly we can study this motion with the help of a position vs. time graph which shows how the position varies as time goes on. Now, as far as I understand, the slope of this graph at any time t gives the instantaneous velocity of the object, because it measures the change in position over time.
Now, the thing that I don't quite understand is,how would such a graph look like if the object were to move in two or three dimensions? Assuming it now moves in space, it could still be moving along a straight line, but what if it started moving in some other direction, how do the new velocities look like on a position vs. time graph? There seems to be a gap in my understanding at this point and I can't quite connect how the slope of a position vs. time graph would represent the change in velocity.
I hope I stated my concerns clearly and I'm looking forward to any sharing of thoughts on this matter.
Thanks
Now, the thing that I don't quite understand is,how would such a graph look like if the object were to move in two or three dimensions? Assuming it now moves in space, it could still be moving along a straight line, but what if it started moving in some other direction, how do the new velocities look like on a position vs. time graph? There seems to be a gap in my understanding at this point and I can't quite connect how the slope of a position vs. time graph would represent the change in velocity.
I hope I stated my concerns clearly and I'm looking forward to any sharing of thoughts on this matter.
Thanks