Question

An object moves along the x axis during four separate trials. Graphs of position versus time for each trial are shown in the figure.

During which trial or trials is the object's velocity not constant?

During which trial or trials is the magnitude of the average velocity the largest?

Please explain. Thanks.

Answer 1

Concepts and reason

The slope of a curve in position versus time graph of an object gives the velocity of the object.

The slope of a curve in position versus time graph gives the velocity.

The constant velocity motion and acceleratory motion of an object can be represented by shapes of curves in position versus time graph. The slope curves in position versus time graph represents velocity of the object.

Fundamentals

The velocity of an object is defined as the rate of change of position of an object.

The object has constant velocity when the slope of a curve in positon versus time graph is constant.

The object is in acceleratory motion when slope of a curve in position versus time graph varies from position to positon.

The object velocity is large when slope of a curve in position versus time graph is large. The object velocity is small when slope of a curve in position versus time graph is small.

The slope of curve in Trial B is varying with position and time. Varying slope represents the acceleratory motion of the object. Thus, in Trial B the object is in acceleratory motion.

The object’s velocity is not constant in Trail B.

The slope of curve is large in trial B and trail D, thus the average velocity of object is large in Trail B and trail D.

The magnitude of average velocity is largest in Trail B and Trail D.

Ans: Part 1

The object’s velocity is not constant in Trail B.

Part 2

The magnitude of average velocity is largest in Trail B and Trail D.