A glider on an air track experiences the time-varying acceleration described below…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · CBSE · Physics · Motion · Motion

Problem

A glider on an air track experiences the time-varying acceleration described below (positive direction is to the right): • Time axis runs from

t = 0\,\text{s}

t = 8\,\text{s}

. • From

t = 0\,\text{s}

t = 2\,\text{s}

the acceleration is constant at

+3\,\text{m/s}^2

. • From

t = 2\,\text{s}

t = 5\,\text{s}

the acceleration is

0\,\text{m/s}^2

. • From

t = 5\,\text{s}

t = 8\,\text{s}

the acceleration is constant at

-2\,\text{m/s}^2

. The glider’s velocity at

t = 0\,\text{s}

+4\,\text{m/s}

. (a) Determine the change in velocity produced by the acceleration during each of the three time intervals. (b) Find the glider’s velocity at

t = 2\,\text{s}

t = 5\,\text{s}

, and

t = 8\,\text{s}

. (c) Sketch a qualitative velocity–time graph for

0 \le t \le 8\,\text{s}

. Clearly label key values obtained in part (b). (d) Calculate the glider’s net displacement during the entire

0 \le t \le 8\,\text{s}

interval.