Based on the analysis of the "Position vs Time" graph, I can determine the object's motion by calculating the velocity for each segment. Velocity is the slope of the line on a position-time graph, calculated as the change in position (Δy) divided by the change in time (Δx).
Here is a breakdown of the object's motion for each segment:
-
Segment A to B (0 sec to 2 sec): The position remains constant at 10 meters. The change in position is 0, so the velocity is 0 m/s. The object is stationary.
-
Segment B to C (2 sec to 4 sec): The position changes from 10 meters to 0 meters. The change in position is -10 meters over a time interval of 2 seconds.
* Velocity = (-10 m) / (2 s) =
-5 m/s.
* The negative sign indicates the object is moving in the negative direction.
-
Segment C to D (4 sec to 5 sec): The position remains constant at 0 meters. The change in position is 0, so the velocity is 0 m/s. The object is stationary again.
-
Segment D to E (5 sec to 6 sec): The position changes from 0 meters to -15 meters. The change in position is -15 meters over a time interval of 1 second.
* Velocity = (-15 m) / (1 s) =
-15 m/s.
* The object is moving rapidly in the negative direction.
-
Segment E to F (6 sec to 8 sec): The position remains constant at -15 meters. The change in position is 0, so the velocity is 0 m/s. The object is stationary.
-
Segment F to G (8 sec to 9 sec): The position changes from -15 meters to 0 meters. The change in position is +15 meters over a time interval of 1 second.
* Velocity = (+15 m) / (1 s) =
+15 m/s.
* The object is moving rapidly in the positive direction.
-
Segment G to H (9 sec to 11 sec): The position changes from 0 meters to 15 meters. The change in position is +15 meters over a time interval of 2 seconds.
* Velocity = (+15 m) / (2 s) =
+7.5 m/s.
* The object is moving in the positive direction, but at a slower speed than in the previous segment.
In summary, the object was stationary for three periods (A-B, C-D, and E-F), moved in the negative direction with velocities of -5 m/s and -15 m/s, and then moved in the positive direction with velocities of +15 m/s and +7.5 m/s.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of position vs time graph worksheet.
