Question

select the option that best summarizes the reason for the use of position-time graphs when studying physical science. (1 point) position-time graphs show the relationship between the position of an object (shown on the y-axis) and the time (shown on the x-axis) to show velocity. position-time graphs show the relationship between the position of an object (shown on the y-axis) and the time (shown on the x-axis) to show acceleration. position-time graphs show the relationship between the position of an object (shown on the x-axis) and the time (shown on the y-axis) to show displacement. position-time graphs show the relationship between the position of an object (shown on the y-axis) and the time (shown on the x-axis) to show displacement.

Explanation:

1. Recall the concept of position - time graphs: In a position - time graph, the y - axis represents the position of an object and the x - axis represents time. The slope of a position - time graph gives the velocity (since velocity $v=\frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}$, where $\Delta x$ is the change in position and $\Delta t$ is the change in time).

• For the second option: Acceleration is related to the slope of a velocity - time graph, not a position - time graph. So this option is incorrect.
• For the third option: In a position - time graph, position is on the y - axis and time is on the x - axis, not the other way around. Also, displacement is the change in position, but the main purpose of a position - time graph's slope is to show velocity. So this option is incorrect.
• For the fourth option: Displacement is the change in position, but the slope of a position - time graph represents velocity, not displacement directly.
• For the first option: The position - time graph has position on the y - axis and time on the x - axis, and the slope (which is $\frac{\text{change in position}}{\text{change in time}}$) gives the velocity of the object. So this option correctly describes the use of position - time graphs.

Answer:

A. Position - time graphs show the relationship between the position of an object (shown on the y - axis) and the time (shown on the x - axis) to show velocity.