A toy rocket is launched straight upward from ground level at
MATHEMATICS · Single correct · AP · Calculus AB · Contextual Applications of Differentiation · Contextual Applications of Differentiation
Problem
A toy rocket is launched straight upward from ground level at t=0. Successive photographs are taken at equal time intervals. On the way up, the vertical spacing between images decreases until the rocket momentarily appears in two images at nearly the same height, after which the spacing between images increases on the way down. Which of the following best describes the slope of the rocket’s position–time graph throughout this motion?
(a) Positive and constant on the way up, zero at the highest point, then negative and constant on the way down
(b) Positive and decreasing on the way up, zero at the highest point, then negative and increasing in magnitude on the way down
(c) Positive and increasing on the way up, zero at the highest point, then negative and decreasing in magnitude on the way down
(d) Positive and decreasing on the way up, zero at the highest point, then positive and increasing on the way down