Velocity graph (reverse direction)

In summary: When looking at a graph of velocity vs. time, an object will have a positive and negative velocity at different points in time. The object will also be at 0 velocity in between those two points.
  • #1
Arlene87
7
0
please explain to me about reverse direction. don't just give me an aswer :) thanks.

Consider the velocity vs. time graph shown here. focusing on the issue of whether the object turns around (reverese direction)

Velocity
|
| (TRIANGLE HERE)___time

a. why might a smart student say the object reverse direction?

b. why might a smart student say the object doesn't reverse direction?

c. does the object reverse direction? as part of your explanation, explain why the other argument is incorrect, and give advice to someone who made that mistake that can help them understand why they made the mistake and how they can avoid it in the future.
 
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  • #2
Arlene87 said:
please explain to me about reverse direction. don't just give me an aswer :) thanks.

Consider the velocity vs. time graph shown here. focusing on the issue of whether the object turns around (reverese direction)

Velocity
|
| (TRIANGLE HERE)___time

a. why might a smart student say the object reverse direction?

b. why might a smart student say the object doesn't reverse direction?

c. does the object reverse direction? as part of your explanation, explain why the other argument is incorrect, and give advice to someone who made that mistake that can help them understand why they made the mistake and how they can avoid it in the future.

if an object reverses direction, then its velocity will be positive at some time, and negative at a later/earlier time. It will also be zero in between those two times.
Pretty hard to refer to you situation as I can't see if the (TRIANGLE HERE) is entirely above the time axis, entirely below the time axis or partially each?
 
  • #3
this is the link of the worksheet its on page 4 (HW2-4) question A, b, c. the graph is on the side.
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

thanks for your help in advance.
 
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  • #4
Arlene87 said:
this is the link of the worksheet its on page 4 (HW2-4) question A, b, c. the graph is on the side.
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Ph...utorial_HW.pdf

thanks for your help in advance.

That link doesn't work. It doesn't even look complete.
 
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  • #5
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

yea i just realized it.. here it is again. sorry about that
 
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  • #6
Arlene87 said:
http://panda.unm.edu/Courses/Saul/Physics1/Tutorials/02_V_and_A_Graph_Tutorial_HW.pdf

yea i just realized it.. here it is again. sorry about that

My first explanation of how you determine whether an object changed direction should be sufficient.
 
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FAQ: Velocity graph (reverse direction)

1. What is a velocity graph in reverse direction?

A velocity graph in reverse direction is a visual representation of an object's velocity over time, where the direction of motion is opposite to the positive direction on the graph. This means that the velocity values on the graph will be negative.

2. How is a velocity graph in reverse direction different from a regular velocity graph?

A regular velocity graph shows the velocity of an object in the positive direction, whereas a velocity graph in reverse direction shows the velocity in the negative direction. This means that the object is moving in the opposite direction as compared to the positive direction on the graph.

3. What does the slope of a velocity graph in reverse direction represent?

The slope of a velocity graph in reverse direction represents the rate of change of velocity over time in the negative direction. It can also be interpreted as the acceleration of the object in the negative direction.

4. How can you determine the displacement of an object from a velocity graph in reverse direction?

To determine the displacement of an object from a velocity graph in reverse direction, you can calculate the area under the graph. Since the velocity values are negative, the area under the graph will be negative as well, indicating a negative displacement in the opposite direction.

5. Can an object have a positive velocity on a velocity graph in reverse direction?

Yes, an object can have a positive velocity on a velocity graph in reverse direction. This can occur when the object changes direction and starts moving in the positive direction, resulting in a positive velocity on the graph. However, the overall trend of the graph will still be in the negative direction.

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