Math Problem Statement

(Figure 1) shows a velocity-versus-time graph for a particle moving along the x-axis. At t = 0 s, assume that x= 0 mm. What is the particle's acceleration at t = 1.0 s?

Express your answer with the appropriate units.

(Figure 1) shows a velocity-versus-time graph for a particle moving along the x-axis. At t = 0 s, assume that x = 0 mm. What is the particle's acceleration at t = 1.0 s? Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Solution

To find the particle's acceleration at t=1.0st = 1.0 \, \text{s}, we need to first understand the relationship between velocity and acceleration. The acceleration at any given point in time is the slope of the velocity-versus-time graph at that point.

Steps:

  1. Identify the time period of interest: The graph shows that between t=0st = 0 \, \text{s} and t=2st = 2 \, \text{s}, the velocity is constant at vx=4m/sv_x = 4 \, \text{m/s}. Constant velocity means the acceleration is zero in this interval.

  2. Determine acceleration at t=1.0st = 1.0 \, \text{s}: Since t=1.0st = 1.0 \, \text{s} falls within the interval 0t2s0 \leq t \leq 2 \, \text{s}, where the velocity is constant, the acceleration is:

a=ΔvxΔt=0m/s2a = \frac{\Delta v_x}{\Delta t} = 0 \, \text{m/s}^2

So, the particle's acceleration at t=1.0st = 1.0 \, \text{s} is 0m/s20 \, \text{m/s}^2.

Would you like more details on this, or do you have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the acceleration during the interval from t=2st = 2 \, \text{s} to t=4st = 4 \, \text{s}?
  2. How do you calculate displacement from a velocity vs. time graph?
  3. What is the significance of the slope of the graph in terms of motion?
  4. How would the graph look for a particle that is accelerating constantly?
  5. How does the initial velocity affect the overall motion of a particle?

Tip: For motion along a straight line, constant velocity implies zero acceleration, as acceleration represents the rate of change of velocity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Kinematics
Velocity
Acceleration

Formulas

a = Δv / Δt

Theorems

First equation of motion: v = u + at

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12