- #1
L²Cc
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what does a vertical line in a velocity versus time graph imply?
What does a vertical line on a velocity versus time graph suggest?
In summary: Otherwise, if it's a correct graph, it would imply that the velocity was infinite at that point, which is highly unlikely in real-world situations.In summary, A vertical line on a velocity versus time graph implies either that the velocity axis is horizontal and the time axis is vertical, or that there is an error in the data or plotting. If it is a correct graph, it would indicate that the velocity at that point was infinite, which is unlikely in real-world scenarios.
- #2
radou
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Is you set the velocity axis to be horizontal, and the time axis to be vertical, then a vertical line implies constant velocity. 
Else, it doesn't imply anything, since that set of points is not even a function.
Else, it doesn't imply anything, since that set of points is not even a function.
- #3
L²Cc
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oops...should have given out that info. hmm..the velocity axis is horizontal, whereas time is vertical...in this situation, what does the vertical line imply?
Last edited:
- #4
Swapnil
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You posted the same question twice. You also posted it here:
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=140999
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=140999
- #5
L²Cc
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oops, human error.
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The other thread has been deleted. Please note that it is explicitly mentioned in the PF Guidelines that everyone has agreed to that multiple posting is not allowed.
Zz.
Zz.
- #7
Integral
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Suppose the vertical part of the graph occurs at [itex] x_0 [/itex].
What is the velocity at [itex] x_0 - \delta [/itex] ?
What is the velocity at [itex] x_0 + \delta [/itex] ?
Ok, now what has happened at the verical portion of the graph?
What is the velocity at [itex] x_0 - \delta [/itex] ?
What is the velocity at [itex] x_0 + \delta [/itex] ?
Ok, now what has happened at the verical portion of the graph?
- #8
ocalhoun
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I suppose that could only happen if the velocity at that time was infinite, as otherwise the vertical line would have an upper limit to it.
It would also mean that the velocity of whatever you're measuring just jumped instantly with no time for acceleration, which would be highly unusual.
In other words, if I saw such a graph, the first things I would check would be the veracity of the data and the validity of the math.
It would also mean that the velocity of whatever you're measuring just jumped instantly with no time for acceleration, which would be highly unusual.
In other words, if I saw such a graph, the first things I would check would be the veracity of the data and the validity of the math.
- #9
rcgldr
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That something was wrong with the data or how the graph was plotted. As mentioned, maybe the axis got reversed (velocity is horiztonal, time is vertical).L²Cc said:
FAQ: What does a vertical line on a velocity versus time graph suggest?
What is a velocity versus time graph?
A velocity versus time graph is a visual representation of an object's velocity over a period of time. The x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents velocity. The slope of the graph at any given point represents the object's instantaneous velocity at that time.
How is velocity calculated on a velocity versus time graph?
Velocity is calculated by finding the slope of the graph at a specific point. This can be done by taking the change in velocity over the change in time, or by finding the tangent of the curve at that point.
What does a positive or negative slope on a velocity versus time graph indicate?
A positive slope on a velocity versus time graph indicates that the object is moving in the positive direction, while a negative slope indicates that the object is moving in the negative direction. The steeper the slope, the faster the object is moving.
How can you determine an object's acceleration from a velocity versus time graph?
An object's acceleration can be determined by finding the slope of the velocity versus time graph. If the slope is constant, the object is moving with a constant acceleration. If the slope is changing, the object's acceleration is also changing.
Can a velocity versus time graph be used to determine an object's displacement?
No, a velocity versus time graph only shows an object's velocity over time. To determine an object's displacement, you would need to find the area under the curve of the graph, which represents the object's distance traveled.