Question

interpreting position vs time graphs
movement in relation to the origin
the red portion of the position versus time graph shows the object moving away from the origin, or in the positive direction.
calculate the slope of the red portion of the line.
two points on the line are
(1, 15) and (2, 20).
what is the velocity of the object, as represented by slope of the red portion of the line?
+ 5 m/s

• 5 m/s

+ 0.2 m/s

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the slope formula

The slope formula is \(m=\frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\). In a position - time graph, \(y\) represents position (\(x\) in kinematics) and \(x\) represents time (\(t\)). The velocity \(v=\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}\) (which is the same as the slope of the position - time graph).
Given two points \((t_1,x_1)=(1,15)\) and \((t_2,x_2)=(2,20)\)

Step2: Substitute values into the formula

\(v = m=\frac{x_2 - x_1}{t_2 - t_1}=\frac{20 - 15}{2 - 1}\)
\(=\frac{5}{1}=5\ m/s\)

Answer:

+ 5 m/s