Kinematics: Graphical Analysis

and Problem Solving

2022-02-05

www.njctl.org
 Table of Contents:
Kinematics: Graphical Analysis and
Problem Solving
· Position vs. Time Graph: Constant Velocity
· Velocity vs. Time Graph: Constant Acceleration
· Finding the Displacement from Velocity vs. Time Graphs
· Problem Solving Techniques
· Constant Acceleration Problem
· Dropped Object Problem
· Hopper Problem
· Stomp Rocket Problem
· Graphing Problem I
Click on a topic to go to that section
· Graphing Problem II
 Position vs. Time Graph:
Constant Velocity

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Table of
Contents
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity

Position versus Time

graphs are just like
Distance vs Time graphs
except:
· position can go
backwards
· position can be positive
or negative.
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
x (m)
On the graph:
· change the label on
the vertical axis (y-
axis) to x (m) - for
position
· time still starts at 0
· you might need to let 0
t (s)
the vertical axis go
negative
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
x (m)
With distance vs time, we –
assume motion starts at –
d = 0 when t = 0. –
–
–
With position vs time, –
motion starts at –i
x
–
position xi which can –
be anywhere. –
0

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For example, if you – t (s)
–
observe all the cars –
–
parked on your street at –
noon, they would all have –
–
different positions at that –
moment. –
–
–
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
x (m)
–
–
With distance vs time, the – moving forward
distance traveled will – position increases
–
never become less. (you – in +x direction
–
can't undo how much you – not moving
walk!) xi –
– position stays the same

–
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With position vs time, an

–
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–
0– t (s)
object can stay still, move –
– moving backward
forward (+) or backward –
(-). – position decreases in
– +x direction and may then
–
– increase in the -x direction.
–
–
–
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
x (m)
–
–
For example, if you – moving forward
observed all the cars – position increases
–
parked on your street at – in +x direction
noon, some may move to ––
– not moving
the right, some to the left, xi –
– position stays the same
and some may not move 0–

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at all. t (s)
–
– moving backward
– position decreases in
–
– +x direction and may then
–
– increase in the -x direction.
–
–
–
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
With distance vs time, the x (m)
11
slope of the line was the
10 –
speed: 9–
8–
7–
6– ∆x = 10-2 = 8 m
5–
4–
With position vs time, 3– t = 12 s
2–
the slope is the velocity: 1–
xi
0–

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213
– t (s)
–
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–
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
With distance vs time, the x (m)
slope of the line was the –
10
speed: 9 –
8 –
7 –
6 –
5 –
4 –
With position vs time, 3 – t=8s
2 – xi
the slope is the velocity: 1 –
0

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-1 – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213
-2 – t (s)
-3 –
-4 – ∆x = (-6) - 2 = -8 m
-5 –
-6 –
–
–
–
–
–
 Position vs Time Graphs
Constant Velocity
x (m)
– moving forward
–
– slope > 0
–
– v >0
– not moving
–
– slope = 0
xi – v =0
–
0
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– t (s)
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– moving backward
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– slope < 0
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– v<0
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–
 1 Describe the motion of the car illustrated by the position -
time graph.

Answer
A Moves in the +x direction

B Moves in the -x direction

C Remains stationary xi

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 1 Describe the motion of the car illustrated by the position -
time graph.

Answer
A Moves in the +x direction A

B Moves in the -x direction

C Remains stationary x
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 2 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described on the graph?

A v<0

Answer
B v=0
xi
C v>0

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 2 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described on the graph?

A v<0
Answer

B v=0
xi C
C v>0

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 3 Describe the motion of the car illustrated by the position -
time graph.

Answer
A Moves in the +x direction

B Moves in the -x direction

C Remains stationary xi

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 3 Describe the motion of the car illustrated by the position -
time graph.

Answer
C
A Moves in the +x direction

B Moves in the -x direction

C Remains stationary [This object is a pull tab]

xi

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 4 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described on the graph?

A v<0

Answer
B v=0
xi
C v>0

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 4 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described on the graph?

A v<0 Answer

B v=0
A
xi
C v>0

[This object is a pull tab]

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5 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described by the position - time graph?
x (m)
11 –
A -0.56 m/s 10 –
9 –
8 –
7 –
B -1.8 m/s 6 –
–

Answer
5
4 –
3 – xi
C 0 m/s 2 –
1 –
0–

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-1 – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213
t (s)
D 1.8 m/s -2 –
-3 –
-4 –
-5 –
-6 –
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–
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5 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described by the position - time graph?
x (m)
11 –
A -0.56 m/s 10 –
9 –
8 –
7 –
B -1.8 m/s 6 –
–
Answer

5
4 –
3 – xi A
C 0 m/s 2 –
1 –
0–

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-1 – 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213 t (s)
D 1.8 m/s -2 –
-3 –
-4 –
-5 –
-6 –
[This object is a pull tab]

–
–
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–
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6 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described by the position - time graph?
x (m)
11 –
A -2.5 m/s 10 –
9–
8–
7–
B -1.5 m/s 6–
5–
4–

Answer
3 – xi
C 0.5 m/s 2–
1–
0– 1

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D 2.0 m/s -1 – 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213
t (s)
-2 –
-3 –
-4 –
-5 –
-6 –
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–
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6 What is the velocity of an object whose motion is
described by the position - time graph?
x (m)
11 –
A -2.5 m/s 10 –
9–
8–
7–
B -1.5 m/s 6–
5–
4–
Answer

3 – xi
C 0.5 m/s 2–
1– C
0– 1

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D 2.0 m/s -1 – 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10111213
t (s)
-2 –
-3 –
-4 –
-5 –
-6 –
– [This object is a pull tab]
–
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–
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 Velocity vs. Time Graph:
Constant Acceleration

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Table of
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Velocity - Time Graphs
Velocity - Time Graphs

The dashed line shows the velocity

over time, and that is constant.

What does that tell us about the acceleration?

Velocity - Time Graphs

Since acceleration is the change in

velocity over time, this line tells us that
the acceleration is zero.

The slope of the line is also zero. What conclusion

can we now make?
Velocity - Time Graphs

Just as the slope of a position vs

time graph is the velocity,

the slope on a velocity vs time

graph (v-t graph) is the
acceleration.

Can you find the slope of this

blue line which represents the
velocity of a car that starts at rest
(v = 0 m/s)? What does the slope
represent?
Velocity - Time Graphs

The slope represents the

acceleration of the car.

During the time interval from

0 to 5 seconds, ∆v = +10 [m/s],

∆v = +10
a = __
[m/s]
_______ = 2 [m/s2]
t 5 [s]
Velocity - Time Graphs

During the time interval from

0 to 10 seconds, ∆v= –6 [m/s], so
__
∆v –6 [m/s]
_______
a= = = –0.6 [m/s2]
t 10 [s]
The Velocity of a Uniformly
Accelerating Object

Since the slope of the v-t graph

is the acceleration, we get, using
the slope intercept formula
(y = mx + b or y = b + mx):

The First Kinematics Equation!

 7 What is the acceleration represented on the velocity vs.
time graph?

A 2.5 m/s
B 2.5 m/s2

Answer
C 5.0 m/s
D 5.0 m/s2
v [m/s]

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 7 What is the acceleration represented on the velocity vs.
time graph?

A 2.5 m/s
D
B 2.5 m/s2
Answer

C 5.0 m/s
D 5.0 m/s2
v [m/s]

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 8 What is the acceleration represented on the velocity vs.
time graph?

A 0.25 m/s2
B -0.25 m/s2

Answer
C 7.5 m/s2
D -7.5 m/s2
v [m/s]

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 8 What is the acceleration represented on the velocity vs.
time graph?

A 0.25 m/s2 D
B -0.25 m/s2 Answer
C 7.5 m/s2
D -7.5 m/s2
v [m/s]

[This object is a pull tab]

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 9 The velocity as a function of time is presented by the
graph. What is the acceleration?

A -.2 m/s2

B 0 m/s2

C .2 m/s2

Answer
D .4 m/s2

E I need help

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 9 The velocity as a function of time is presented by the
graph. What is the acceleration?

A -.2 m/s2

B 0 m/s2
a = slope
C .2 m/s2
Answer

a = Δv/Δt
D .4 m/s2 a =(10 m/s -2 m/s)/40 s
a = 0.2 m/s2
E I need help
[This object is a pull
tab]

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 10 The velocity as a function of time is presented by the
graph. Find the acceleration.

A -2.5 m/s2

Answer
B 0 m/s2

C 2.5 m/s2

D 5 m/s2

E I need help

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 10 The velocity as a function of time is presented by the
graph. Find the acceleration.

A -2.5 m/s2 Answer

a = slope
B 0 m/s2 a = Δv/Δt
C 2.5 m/s2
a =(0 m/s -25 m/s)/10 s
a = -2.5 m/s2
D 5 m/s2
[This object is a pull
E I need help tab]

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 Finding the Displacement from
Velocity vs. Time Graphs

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∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

Here is the v-t graph of a bicycle traveling at 6 [m/s].

How far has the bicycle traveled after 5 seconds?
That is, what is the bicycle's displacement?
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

We can find the bicycle's displacement

with the formula for constant velocity

or

Calculate how far the bicycle travels at 6 [m/s] in 5 seconds.

∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

bicycle traveling at 6 [m/s] for 5 s

We can also find the displacement

from a velocity-time graph. How?
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

By taking the area of the

graph bounded by the
velocity and the elapsed
time.

The area under the v-t graph is the

area of a rectangle = height × base

The area is , the displacement.

∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

When the velocity was constant, the

displacement was the area of a
rectangle.
What if the acceleration is not zero,
as shown by this graph?
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs
When the acceleration is not zero, we can still find
the area under the graph... the area of a triangle!

Area of Triangle =
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

This v-t graph shows the motion of a bicycle

accelerating from rest.

How far does the bicycle travel in 5 seconds?

Area of Triangle =
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs
How can we find the displacement when the initial
velocity is not zero?
How to get ∆x from a Velocity vs Time (v-t)
Graph
The displacement (∆x) is the area between the graph of v
and the horizontal axis during the given time interval.

What if this area is not a simple rectangle or triangle? Follow

Steps 1, 2 and 3!

1 Break the region into rectangles and / or triangles.

2 Find the areas of the shapes

rectangle: area = height x base
triangle: area = ½ height x base

3 Finally add up all the areas which is Δx.

 How to get ∆x from a v-t Graph
The graph below shows the velocity vs time for a girl starting
a run. How far does the girl travel in the first 10 seconds?
 How to get ∆x from a v-t Graph
The graph below shows the velocity vs time for a girl starting
a run. How far does the girl travel in the first 10 seconds?

1. Break the region between

the line and the horizontal (t)
axis into a rectangle and a
triangle.
 How to get ∆x from a v-t Graph
The graph below shows the velocity vs time for a girl starting
a run. How far does the girl travel in the first 10 seconds?

2. For the triangle:

area = ½ height x base
= ½ • 4 m/s • 10 s
= 20 m

For the rectangle:

area = height x base
= 2 m/s • 10 s
4 m/s
= 20 m
10 s 3. Add up the areas:
2 m/s

10 s ∆x = 20 m + 20 m = 40 m
Formulas for the Displacement
To find the displacement, ∆x,
when the initial velocity was not
v0 = 0, we divided the area
under the v-t graph into a
rectangle and a triangle.

Can we now express that as an

equation that will also work to
find the displacement?
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

Yes, we can.

The area of the triangle

= ½ height × width
= ½ (v - vo) t
(v - vo )
The area of the rectangle
t = height × width
= vo t
vo
t
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

The total area under the

graph is vo t + ½ (v - vo) t

The total areas are equal

to the displacement, so
(v - vo ) we have:

t
vi
t
∆x from Velocity vs Time Graphs

Since Δx = x - x0, we
have:

(v - vo )

t
This is Kinematics
vi Equation 2!
t
11 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 6 s?

A 6m
B 8m

Answer
C 14 m
D 48 m

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11 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 6 s?

D
A 6m
B 8m
area of rectangle = height x base
Answer

C 14 m
= 8 [m/s] x 6 [s]
D 48 m = 48 [m]

displacement = area = 48 [m]

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12 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 8 s?

A 8m
B 16 m

Answer
C 20 m
D 36 m

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12 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 8 s?

A 8m
C
B 16 m
Answer

C 20 m area of triangle = (1/2) height x base

D 36 m = (1/2) x 5 [m/s] x 8 [s]
= 20 [m]
displacement = area = 20 [m]

[This object is a pull tab]

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13 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 9 s?

A 31.5 m
B 36 m

Answer
C 63 m

D 67.5 m

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13 The graph shows the velocity vs. time motion for a
bicycle. How far does the bicycle travel in the first 9 s?

D
A 31.5 m
area of rectangle = height x base
B 36 m = 4 [m/s] x 9 [s]
Answer

= 36 [m]
C 63 m area of triangle = (1/2) height x base
= (1/2) (11 [m/s] - 4 [m/s]) x 9 [s]
D 67.5 m = 31.5 [m]
displacement = total area = 36 [m] + 31.5 [m]
= 67.5 [m]

[This object is a pull tab]

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14 The graph below shows the velocity vs. time motion for
a car. How far does the car travel in the first 10 s?

A 15 m
B 20 m

Answer
C 50 m
D 70 m

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14 The graph below shows the velocity vs. time motion for
a car. How far does the car travel in the first 10 s?
D
A 15 m
B 20 m area of rectangle = height x base
Answer

= 2 [m/s] x 10 [s]
C 50 m = 20 [m]
D 70 m area of triangle = (1/2) height x base
= (1/2) (12 [m/s] - 2 [m/s]) x 10 [s]
= 50 [m]
displacement = total area = 20 [m] + 50 [m]
= 70 [m]
[This object is a pull tab]

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 Problem Solving
Techniques

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 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· Read the problem carefully.

· Draw a sketch if necessary.

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and the

variable you are solving for.

· Select an appropriate equation to use.

· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.

· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and

check that you have the right units.
 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· Read the problem carefully.

Often students make mistakes like switching m/s for m/s2.
Mistakes like these can be avoided by reading carefully and
taking your time while solving problems.

· Draw a sketch if necessary.

Having a sketch could help with some problems, but is not
necessary for every problem. This step will be much more
important next chapter.

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 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and the

variable you are solving for.

Knowing the units associated with each variable is a big

help in knowing which variable is which.

Watch out for words like "at rest," "stationary" or "comes to

a stop." All of these are clues that either initial or final
velocity is zero. Objects that are dropped have no initial
velocity.
 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and the

variable you are solving for (cont.).

Read carefully, look for words like "from" and "to" in order
to help distinguish between initial and final velocity. Think
to yourself, "Which one was first?" and "Which one was
last?"

When an object is moving unsupported through the air, its

acceleration is 9.8 m/s2, downward. The only time you set
acceleration equal to g is when the object moves through
the air.
 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· Select an appropriate equation to use.

Looking at the equations below, we see that they all have different
combinations of variables.

Let's make a table to organize the equations and variables.

Equation x xo t vo v a
v = v o + at ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
x = xo + vot + ½at2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
v2 = vo2 + 2a(x - xo) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Problem Solving – A General Approach
We can see that x and t are the most helpful variables to look at; not
every equation has x or t.

· If your list of variables has t, but not x, use the first equation.
· If your list of variables has x, but not t, use the last equation.
· If your list of variables has x and t, use the middle equation.

Equation x xo t vo v a
v = v o + at ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
x = xo + vot + ½at2 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
v2 = vo2 + 2a(x - xo) ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
v and vo can be confused, it is safer to look at x and t when
choosing an equation.
 Problem Solving – A General Approach

· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.

Once you have your equation, move it around to solve for
the missing variable. Sometimes it might already be set up
correctly! Don't plug in numbers right away!

· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and

check that you have the right units.
When the equation is arranged correctly, then you can
substitute in your values, and solve for a numerical answer.
Keep an eye on your units and don't forget to put units on
your final answer.
Problem Solving – Things to Remember

· "Constant velocity" means acceleration equals zero.

· "Constant acceleration" is a trick! All of our problems so far have

constant acceleration; this does not help you (in the future you
will see problems where the acceleration is not constant).
Don't get confused when you see constant acceleration.
 Constant Acceleration
Problem

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 Sample Problem 1
Starting from rest, an object accelerates at a rate of 2.4 m/s2. It
ends up with a speed of 14.4 m/s. How long did it accelerate for?

Follow the steps to solve the problem:

· Read the problem carefully. ✓

· Draw a sketch if necessary. ✓ (not necessary here)
 Sample Problem 1
Starting from rest, an object accelerates at a rate of 2.4 m/s2. It
ends up with a speed of 14.4 m/s. How long did it accelerate for?

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and

the variable you are solving for:
"starting from rest" means vo = 0
a = 2.4 m/s2
"ends up with a speed" refers to final velocity, v = 14.4 m/s
The question asks us to find time, t

You can write all of the above like this on your paper:
vo = 0 a = 2.4 m/s2
v = 14.4 m/s t=?
 Sample Problem 1
· Select an appropriate equation to use.

vo = 0 a = 2.4 m/s2
v = 14.4 m/s t=?

Find the equation to match the given variables. It may help

to check if you have x and t listed as variables.

The correct equation to use is: v = vo + at

We have v, vo, and a listed as variables and we need to

solve for t. There is no mention of x in this problem.
 Sample Problem 1
· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.
vo = 0 a = 2.4 m/s2
v = 14.4 m/s t=?

Start with the equation you selected

vo = 0, so we can cancel it out

Divide by a on both sides to solve for t

The a's cancel on the right

You can rewrite with t on the left if you

like
 Sample Problem 1
· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and check
that you have the right units.

vo = 0 a = 2.4 m/s2
v = 14.4 m/s t=?

Many students prefer not to carry

their units through their calculations.
Your units will always come out
correct if you do the problem
correctly.
Including units in your calculations
can help you spot mistakes.
 Dropped Object
Problem

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 Sample Problem 2
A student drops a rock off the top of a tall building. The student
notices that the rock hits the ground 2.6 s later. How tall is the
building? · Read the problem carefully.
· Draw a sketch if necessary.
It may be helpful to have a sketch for this problem.
xo = ?
From our sketch, we can see that the
rock's initial position is unknown, so
xo = ?
The rock lands on the ground, so the
final position, x = 0.
x=0
We also see the rock moving through
the air, so we can use a = -9.8 m/s2,
because it is accelerating downward.
 Sample Problem 2
A student drops a rock off the top of a tall building. The student
notices that the rock hits the ground 2.6 s later. How tall is the
building?

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and the

variable you are solving for.

From our sketch we have:

xo = ?
x=0
a = -9.8 m/s2

We are given t = 2.6 s.

Since the rock is dropped, vo = 0
 Sample Problem 2
· Select an appropriate equation to use.
xo = ?
x=0
a = -9.8 m/s2
t = 2.6 s.
vo = 0
The correct equation to use is: x = xo + vot + 1/2 at2

We have x, vo, a and t listed as variables and we need to

solve for xo. There is no mention of v in this problem.
 Sample Problem 2
· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.
xo = ? x=0 a = - 9.8 m/s2 vo = 0 t = 2.6 s

Start with the equation you selected

Both x and vo = 0, so we can cancel

them out, but don't forget to leave
the 0 as a placeholder on the left

Subtract 1/2 at2 from both sides to

isolate xo

You can rewrite with xo on the left if

you like
 Sample Problem 2
· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and check
that you have the right units.
xo = ? x=0 a = - 9.8 m/s2 vo = 0 t = 2.6 s

When we calculate an answer,

we will round it to three digits
(NOT three decimal places).
xo = 33.1 m
If an answer is less that three
digits (like the previous problem),
then we will just leave it.
 Hopper Problem

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 Sample Problem 3
A physics teacher flips a hopper and measures its maximum
height to be 1.4 m. What was the hopper's initial velocity?
· Read the problem carefully.
· Draw a sketch if necessary.
It may be helpful to have a sketch for this problem.

x = 1.4 m Our sketch reminds us that v = 0 at

v=0 the maximum height.
We also see the hopper moving
through the air, a = -9.8 m/s2.

xo = 0, vo = ?
 Sample Problem 3
A physics teacher flips a hopper and measures its maximum
height to be 1.4 m. What was the hopper's initial velocity?

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and

the variable you are solving for:

From our sketch and the problem, we have:

x = 1.4 m
xo = 0
a = -9.8 m/s2
v=0
vo = ?
 Sample Problem 3
· Select an appropriate equation to use.
x = 1.4 m a = - 9.8 m/s2 xo = 0
v=0 vo = ?

Find the equation to match the given variables. It may help

to check if you have x and t listed as variables.

The correct equation to use is: v2 = vo2 + 2a (x - xo)

We have v, x, xo and a listed as variables and we need to

solve for vo. There is no mention of t in this problem.
 Sample Problem 3
· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.
x = 1.4 m a = - 9.8 m/s2 xo = 0
v=0 vo = ?

Start with the equation you selected

Both xo and v = 0, cancel them, but don't
forget to leave the 0 as a placeholder on
the left
Subtract 2ax from both sides to isolate vo2
You can rewrite with vo2 on the left
Take the square-root of each side
 Sample Problem 3
· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and check
that you have the right units.

x = 1.4 m a = - 9.8 m/s2 xo = 0

v=0 vo = ?

This answer has been

rounded to three digits.
 Stomp Rocket
Problem

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 Sample Problem 4
A child stomps on a stomp rocket sending it into the air so that it
returns to the ground in 3.2 s. What was the stomp rocket's initial
velocity? And maximum height? · Read the problem carefully.
· Draw a sketch if necessary.
v = 0, t = 1.6 s
From our sketch, we can see that the
x=? rocket's velocity at the apex is 0.
We don't know the velocity of the
rocket when it hits the ground, so our
final location should be the apex.
The time to the apex is 1/2 t or 1.6 s.
We should use a = -9.8 m/s2.
xo = 0, vo= ? t = 3.2 s
 Sample Problem 4
A child stomps on a stomp rocket sending it into the air so that it
returns to the ground in 3.2 s. What was the stomp rocket's initial
velocity? And maximum height?

· List the given variables, any appropriate constants and

the variable you are solving for:
To simplify the problem, we
v = 0, t = 1.6 s will only consider the first half
of the rocket's flight.
x=? t = 1.6 s
a = -9.8 m/s2
v=0
xo = 0
vo = ?

xo = 0, vo= ? t = 3.2 s x=?

 Sample Problem 4
A child stomps on a stomp rocket sending it into the air so that it
returns to the ground in 3.2 s. What was the stomp rocket's initial
velocity? And maximum height?

· Select an appropriate equation to use.

t = 1.6 s We will ignore the height question for now,

a = - 9.8 m/s2 and solve for vo first.
v=0
The correct equation to use is: v = vo + at
xo = 0
vo = ? We have v, xo, t and a listed as variables
and we need to solve for v0. There is no
x=? mention of x for the first part of this problem.
 Sample Problem 4

· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.

t = 1.6 s a = - 9.8 m/s2 xo = 0

v=0 vo = ? x =?

Start with the equation you selected

v = 0, so we can cancel it

Subtract at from both sides to isolate vo

You can rewrite with vo on the left

 Sample Problem 4
· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and check
that you have the right units.

t = 1.6 s a = - 9.8 m/s2

v=0 vo = ?

This answer has been

rounded to three digits.
 Sample Problem 4
A child stomps on a stomp rocket sending it into the air so that it
returns to the ground in 3.2 s. What was the stomp rocket's initial
velocity? And maximum height?

Returning to the second part of the problem:

· Select an appropriate equation to use.

We can now use the initial velocity that we

t = 1.6 s calculated.
a = -9.8 m/s2
Either of the remaining kinematics equations
v=0
can be used to find the height, x.
xo = 0
vo = 15.7 m/s x = xo + vot +1/2 at2 or v2 = vo2 + 2a(x-xo)
x=? It is easier to use the first one, since it is
already solved for x.
 Sample Problem 4
· Solve for the missing variable without numbers, algebraically.

· Put the numbers in and solve for a numerical answer, and check
that you have the right units.
t = 1.6 s a = - 9.8 m/s2 xo = 0
v=0 vo = 15.7 m/s x =?

The equation is already set up and

ready to substitute numbers in.

x = 0 + 15.7 m/s (1.6 s) + 1/2 (-9.8 m/s2) (1.6 s)2

x = 25.12 m - 12.544 m

x = 12.576 m, or 12.6 m (rounded)

 Graphing Problem I

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 Sample Problem 5 - Graphing

A position vs. time graph is given below. Determine the velocity of

the object from:
a. 0 to 2 s
x 4
b. 2 s to 5 s (m) 3
c. 5 s to 6 s 2
1

2 4 6
t (s)
 Sample Problem 5 - Graphing
A position vs. time graph is given below. Determine the velocity of
the object from:
a. 0 to 2 s b. 2 s to 5 s c. 5 s to 6 s

On a position vs. time graph, the

x 4 velocity of the object is given by the
(m) 3
slope.
2
1 We can calculate the slope of each of
2 4 6 these segments to determine the
t (s) velocity during the time period.

We can think of slope as ,

or looking at our axes, .

 Sample Problem 5 - Graphing
A position vs. time graph is given below. Determine the velocity of
the object from:
a. 0 to 2 s b. 2 s to 5 s c. 5 s to 6 s

x 4 a. Looking at the graph, from 0 to 2 s,

(m) 3
the position increases by 4 m and our
2
1
change in time is 2 s.
2 4 6
t (s)

The velocity of the object is 2 m/s from 0 to 2 s.

 Sample Problem 5 - Graphing
A position vs. time graph is given below. Determine the velocity of
the object from:
a. 0 to 2 s b. 2 s to 5 s c. 5 s to 6 s

x 4 b. Looking at the graph, from 2 s to

(m) 3
5 s, the position does not change
2
1
and our change in time is 3 s.
2 4 6
t (s)

This should make sense, because horizontal lines have

no slope, so the object has no velocity, its position is not
changing.
 Sample Problem 5 - Graphing
A position vs. time graph is given below. Determine the velocity of
the object from:
a. 0 to 2 s b. 2 s to 5 s c. 5 s to 6 s
c. Looking at the graph, from 5 s to
x 4 6 s, the position moves from 4 m
(m) 3
back to the origin, so the change is
2
1 -4 m and our change in time is 1 s.
2 4 6
t (s)

Our slope is negative so the velocity is negative. The

object is moving "backwards" towards the origin.
 Graphing Problem II

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 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s
b. 4 s to 6 s
v 20
(m/s) 15
10
5

2 4 6
t (s)
 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s b. 4 s to 6 s

v 20
(m/s) 15 On a velocity vs. time graph, the
10
displacement of the object is given
5 by the area between the line and
2 4
the x-axis.
6
t (s)

The slope of a velocity vs. time

graph will tell us the acceleration.
 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s b. 4 s to 6 s

v 20 a. To solve for the displacement from 0

(m/s) 15 to 4 s, we will look at the area between
10 the line and the x-axis.
5
The graph is shaped like a triangle
2 4 6 from 0 to 4 s.
t (s)
The base of the triangle is 4 s, the
height of the triangle is 15 m/s, so the
area, or the displacement is 30 m.
 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s b. 4 s to 6 s

v 20 a. Looking at the graph, from 0 to 4 s,

(m/s) 15 our velocity increases by 15 m and our
10
change in time is 4 s.
5

2 4 6
t (s)

The acceleration of the object is 3.5 m/s2 from 0 to 4 s.

 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s b. 4 s to 6 s

v 20
(m/s) 15 b. To solve for the displacement from
10
4 s to 6 s, we will look at the area
5 between the line and the x-axis.
2 4 6 The graph is shaped like a rectangle
t (s)
from 4 s to 6 s.

The base of the rectangle is 2 s,

the height of the rectangle is 15
m/s, so the area, or the
displacement is 30 m.
 Sample Problem 6 - Graphing
A velocity vs. time graph is given below. Determine both the
displacement and the acceleration of the object from:
a. 0 to 4 s b. 4 s to 6 s

v 20 a. Looking at the graph, from 4 s to 6 s,

(m/s) 15 our velocity does not change and our
10
change in time is 2 s.
5

2 4 6
t (s)

The object is not accelerating from 4 s to 6 s. Its velocity

is constant so the acceleration is 0.