The graph shows how the velocity of an object varies with time - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
The graph shows how the velocity of an object varies with time.
The acceleration of the object is
A 0.83 m/s²
B 1.2 m/s²
C 2.5 m/s²
D 5.0 m/s²
E 6.0 m/s².
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The graph shows how the velocity of an object varies with time - Scottish Highers Physics - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Determine the slope of the velocity-time graph
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Answer
To find the acceleration from a velocity-time graph, we calculate the slope of the graph. The formula for slope (and thus acceleration) is:
a = rac{ ext{change in velocity}}{ ext{change in time}}
From the graph, the velocity changes from 0 m/s to 10 m/s between 0 s and 8 s.
Step 2
Calculate the change in velocity
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Answer
The change in velocity is:
extchangeinvelocity=10extm/s−0extm/s=10extm/s
Step 3
Calculate the change in time
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Answer
The change in time is:
extchangeintime=8exts−0exts=8exts
Step 4
Calculate the acceleration
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Answer
Now substituting the values in the slope (acceleration) formula:
a = rac{10 ext{ m/s}}{8 ext{ s}} = 1.25 ext{ m/s}^{2}
Thus, the closest option to 1.25 m/s² in the available choices is B, which is 1.2 m/s². Therefore, the final answer for the acceleration of the object is:
Step 5
Select the answer choice
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Answer
B 1.2 m/s²
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