Chapter 1: Problem 26

What does the slope of a distance-versus-time graph represent physically?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Provide examples for different slope scenarios. Answer: The slope of a distance-versus-time graph represents the average speed of an object in motion. For different slope scenarios: 1. If the slope is positive, the object is moving away from its initial position. 2. If the slope is negative, the object is moving towards its initial position. 3. If the slope is constant, the object is moving with a constant speed. 4. If the slope is zero, the object is stationary.

Step by step solution

Define the distance-versus-time graph

A distance-versus-time graph is a graph that represents the distance covered by an object as a function of time. The graph shows the position of an object at different moments in time and helps us analyze its motion. The horizontal axis (x-axis) represents the time (usually in seconds), while the vertical axis (y-axis) represents the distance (usually in meters).

Understand the concept of slope

The slope of a graph is a measure of its steepness. It is the ratio of the vertical change (difference in distance) to the horizontal change (difference in time) between two points on the graph. Mathematically, the slope can be represented as: Slope = \frac{\Delta{distance}}{\Delta{time}} where \Delta{distance} is the change in distance, and \Delta{time} is the change in time.

Relate the slope to a physical quantity

As mentioned above, the slope of a distance-versus-time graph represents the ratio of the change in distance to the change in time. This ratio corresponds to the average speed of the object during the time interval. Thus, the slope of a distance-versus-time graph physically represents the average speed of the object in motion.

Analyze examples of different slopes

Let's analyze some examples: 1. If the slope is positive, it indicates that the distance is increasing with time, meaning the object is moving away from its initial position. 2. If the slope is negative, it indicates that the distance is decreasing with time, meaning the object is moving towards its initial position. 3. If the slope is constant, it means the object is moving with a constant speed. 4. If the slope is zero, it indicates that the distance remains the same over time, meaning the object is stationary. By understanding the slope of a distance-versus-time graph, one can get important insights into the motion of an object and its speed.

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What does the slope of a distance-versus-time graph represent physically?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define the distance-versus-time graph

Understand the concept of slope

Relate the slope to a physical quantity

Analyze examples of different slopes

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