Kinematics Equations 5
A rocket's velocity versus time graph is shown. Categorize its motion as one of the following:
A rocket's velocity versus time graph is shown. Categorize its motion as one of the following:
A) Constant velocity (zero acceleration), also known as "sixth grade kinematics".
A) Constant velocity (zero acceleration), also known as "sixth grade kinematics".
B) Constant acceleration of magnitude g or g*sin(theta)
B) Constant acceleration of magnitude g or g*sin(theta)
C) Constant acceleration of some other value
C) Constant acceleration of some other value
D) Changing acceleration of two or more discreet values.
D) Changing acceleration of two or more discreet values.
E) Continuously changing acceleration
E) Continuously changing acceleration
Solution: C. The velocity versus time graph has a constant slope, so the acceleration is constant. The slope of the graph is approximately 40 m/s^2, so it is neither of the two special cases listed in answer B.
Solution: C. The velocity versus time graph has a constant slope, so the acceleration is constant. The slope of the graph is approximately 40 m/s^2, so it is neither of the two special cases listed in answer B.