Name:

Physics Challenge Question 3: Velocity and acceleration

Due in class 9/29/2008

Hint for the following:

Just like velocity tells us how position changes with time (slope of an x-t graph),
acceleration tells us how velocity changes with time.

The graphs below show the velocities (v) of two different people running, as a function
of time (t). You will need no calculations for the questions below, only the graphs. But,
be sure to show your work!
v (m/s) v (m/s)

5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 t (s) 1 t (s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Part 1: (answer for both graphs)

During which intervals of time is the acceleration positive? Negative?

Part 2: (answer for both graphs)

Is the acceleration ever 0? If so, when?

Part 3:
Which person runs farther during the first 10 seconds?
(Hint: what are the units of v  t )