By looking at the position versus time graph shown above, determine the following at each of the eight numbered instants of time:
A.) Is the object's position positive or negative?
B.) Is the object's velocity positive or negative?
C.) Is the object's acceleration positive or negative?
D.) Is the object speeding up (accelerating) or slowing down (decelerating)?
System and Model: This exercise is a review of the definitions of position, velocity and acceleration. These concepts are used in several of the models in the hierarchy.
Answers:
Time 1
Time 2
Time 3
Time 4
Time 5
Time 6
Time 7
Time 8
Position
+
+
+
+
–
–
–
–
Velocity
+
+
–
–
–
–
+
+
Acceleration
+
–
–
+
–
+
+
–
Acceleration/
Deceleration
A
D
A
D
A
D
A
D
It is important to note that any combination of signs is possible for position, velocity and acceleration!