Velocity–time graphs Transitional Reasoning Download PDF

Questions

1. 1.

   An automated inspection rover travels along a calibrated straight track. A telemetry system records its motion, yielding a velocity–time profile with three distinct stages: from t = 0 s to t = 5 s, velocity increases linearly from -10 m/s to 0 m/s; from t = 5 s to t = 9 s, velocity increases linearly from 0 m/s to +8 m/s; and from t = 9 s to t = 14 s, velocity decreases linearly from +8 m/s to +3 m/s. Based on this velocity–time data, which statement correctly analyzes the rover's motion?

   • A) Between 0 s and 5 s, the rover speeds up because the slope of the velocity–time graph is positive.
   • B) At t = 9 s, the rover reverses its direction of motion because its acceleration changes sign from positive to negative.
   • C) Between 0 s and 5 s, the rover slows down while moving in the negative direction because its velocity and acceleration have opposite signs.
   • D) Between 9 s and 14 s, the rover travels in the negative direction because the slope of the velocity–time graph is negative.
2. 2.

   A telemetry sensor monitors the rectilinear motion of a test pod along an east–west track, where east is defined as the positive direction. The pod's velocity–time graph begins at +8 m/s at t = 0 s, decreases at a constant rate to 0 m/s at t = 4 s, continues at the same rate to -4 m/s at t = 6 s, and then remains constant at -4 m/s until t = 12 s. Based on this velocity–time data, what is the pod's net displacement over the complete 12-second test?

   • A) 44 m east
   • B) 12 m west
   • C) 20 m west
   • D) 16 m east