A particle can exhibit three possible position–time graphs described below
PHYSICS · Subjective · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
A particle can exhibit three possible position–time graphs described below.
Graph I: A straight line passing through the origin with a constant positive slope.
Graph II: A curve opening upwards whose slope increases uniformly with time.
Graph III: A curve whose slope decreases continuously and eventually becomes zero after some time.
A student claims that a body released from rest and moving with constant acceleration along a straight line will necessarily follow one of these graphs.
(i) Identify which graph correctly represents the motion of the body.
(ii) Give two reasons in support of your choice with reference to the meaning of slope on a position–time graph.
(iii) For the remaining two graphs, state what kind of velocity and acceleration each one implies and hence explain why they cannot represent the stated motion.