I have two graphs: a linear graph with a slope of 0.781m/s, and a graph that increases at an increasing rate with an average slope of 0.724m/s. What does this tell me about the motion represented in the graphs?

1 Answer
Feb 21, 2018

Since the linear graph has a constant slope, it has zero acceleration. The other graph represents positive acceleration.

Explanation:

Acceleration is defined as #{\Deltavelocity}/{\Deltatime}#

So, if you have a constant slope, there is no change in velocity and the numerator is zero.

In the second graph, the velocity is changing, which means the object is accelerating