Multiple Choice
Which of the following is not a type of problem typically analyzed using position-time graphs?
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2. 1D Motion / Kinematics
Conceptual Problems with Position-Time Graphs
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Which of the following statements about position-time graphs is true?
A
A steeper slope indicates a higher speed.
B
A downward slope indicates an object is speeding up.
C
A curved line indicates constant acceleration.
D
A horizontal line indicates constant velocity.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a position-time graph plots an object's position on the y-axis against time on the x-axis. The slope of the line on this graph represents the object's velocity.
Recognize that a steeper slope on a position-time graph indicates a higher speed. This is because the slope (change in position over change in time) is greater, meaning the object covers more distance in the same amount of time.
Identify that a downward slope on a position-time graph indicates the object is moving in the opposite direction, not necessarily speeding up. Speeding up or slowing down is related to changes in the slope's steepness over time.
Note that a curved line on a position-time graph indicates changing velocity, which is a sign of acceleration. If the curve is getting steeper, the object is accelerating; if it is flattening, the object is decelerating.
Understand that a horizontal line on a position-time graph indicates constant velocity, meaning the object is not changing its position over time, hence it is at rest or moving at a constant speed.
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