Question
Figure 3.24 gives the x-t plot of a particle in one-dimensional motion. Three different equal intervals of time are shown. In which interval is the average speed greatest, and in which is it the least? Give the sign of average velocity for each interval.
Solution
The average speed of a particle shown in the x-t graph is obtained from the slope of the graph in a particular interval of time.
It is clear from the graph that the slope is maximum and minimum restively in intervals 3 and 2 respectively. Therefore, the average speed is greatest in interval 3 and least in interval 2.
For intervals 1 and 2, average velocity is positive as the slope is positive. For interval 3 slope is negative therefore, the average velocity is negative.
It is clear from the graph that the slope is maximum and minimum restively in intervals 3 and 2 respectively. Therefore, the average speed is greatest in interval 3 and least in interval 2.
For intervals 1 and 2, average velocity is positive as the slope is positive. For interval 3 slope is negative therefore, the average velocity is negative.
