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The following velocity-time graph represents the vertical motion of a ball - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2015
Question 1
The following velocity-time graph represents the vertical motion of a ball. velocity (ms⁻¹) 19 6 2 4 time (s) Which of the following acceleration-time graph... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The following velocity-time graph represents the vertical motion of a ball - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2015
Step 1
Identify the Motion from the Velocity-Time Graph
Answer
The velocity-time graph shows that the ball is initially moving upwards with a positive velocity, then it decreases to zero, indicating a change in direction, and finally, it accelerates downwards with a negative velocity. This suggests the ball is thrown upwards and then falls back down.
Step 2
Analyze Possible Acceleration-Time Graphs
Answer
To represent the same motion, an acceleration graph must indicate:
- Positive acceleration while going up until the peak.
- Zero acceleration at the peak where the velocity becomes zero.
- Negative acceleration as the ball falls back down.
The acceleration graph reflecting this should show a brief period of positive acceleration followed by zero, and then negative acceleration.
Step 3
Determine the Correct Graph
Answer
Upon reviewing the provided acceleration-time graphs, Graph C correctly depicts this motion with the appropriate behavior: starting with a positive value (indicating upward motion), leveling off at zero (at the peak), and then declining into negative acceleration (indicating downward motion).