Thread: Instantaneous Velocity Problem

Originally Posted by Newskin01

Hello,

Thank you for taking a look at my problem.

It is an even question in my text.

The question:



The question states:

The graphs in Figure 11 represent the positions of moving particles as functions of time.

(a) Do the instantaneous velocities at times t1, t2, t3 in (A) form an increasing or decreasing sequence?

I figured out (b) and (c) easy enough.

My assumption from the picture is that the the curve is slowing therefore making them all decreasing sequences.

Well, I wouldn't say the "curve is slowing"- that curve isn't moving at all!
But I know what you mean- the graph is "leveling off" or, technically, it is "convex downward". You should be completely sure that the slope of the tangent line tells the rate of change of the distance, the velocity, and yes, because the tangent lines are getting less and less steep, the velocities are decreasing.'

I'm just not completely sure. Any help or hints would greatly be appreciated.

Thank you very much that was what I was thinking. Very helpful and quick.