PhysicsLAB Resource Lesson
Analyzing SVA Graph Combinations

Summary:
 
s-t graph
s = Δposition
difference between
(yf - yo)
on the s-t graph
slopes of tangent lines

area of v-t graph
v-t graph
Δv
difference between
(vf - vo)
on the v-t graph
slope of v-t graph

area of a-t graph
a-t graph
a-t graph
 
 
Refer to the following information for the next six questions.

The following three graphs all represent different views of the same data set with certain "critical pieces missing."
 
The trick to finding our missing pieces is to work backwards from the "most complete" graph - that is, the graph that does NOT contain any unknown variables. Using the information it contains, and the relationships outlined in the above table, we can solve for the unknowns.
 
In this example, we will start with our velocity-time graph.
 
 
1. By how much did the object's velocity change during the time interval graphed?
 
2. Is the object gaining or losing speed? 

3. How far did the object travel during the 8 seconds graphed?
 
4. Where is the object located at 8 seconds? 

5. What is the object's acceleration?
 
6. Why is the acceleration negative if the object is gaining speed?
 





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