What is the speed of the object at t = 5.0 s?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the speed of an object at a specific time (t = 5.0 s) based on information provided in a position-time graph.
Answer
The speed at $t = 5.0 s$ is $0 \, \text{m/s}$.
Answer for screen readers
The speed of the object at $t = 5.0 s$ is $0 , \text{m/s}$.
Steps to Solve
- Identify the position at t = 5.0 s
From the graph, look at the position (y-axis) corresponding to $t = 5.0 s$ (x-axis).
- Determine the segments of the graph
Analyze the graph to identify its segments:
- From $t = 0 s$ to $t = 2 s$, the graph is increasing (the object is moving).
- From $t = 2 s$ to $t = 5 s$, the graph is flat (the object is at rest).
- From $t = 5 s$ onward, the graph decreases (the object is moving back).
- Calculate the speed at t = 5.0 s
Since the graph is flat between $t = 2 s$ and $t = 5 s$, it indicates that the object is not moving.
Thus, the speed at $t = 5.0 s$ is:
$$ \text{Speed} = 0 , \text{m/s} $$
- Select the appropriate answer
Among the provided options, the correct speed is $0 , \text{m/s}$.
The speed of the object at $t = 5.0 s$ is $0 , \text{m/s}$.
More Information
The flat segment of a position-time graph implies no change in position over time, indicating the object is stationary. This is a fundamental concept in analyzing motion using graphs.
Tips
- Misreading the sections of the graph: Students may overlook the flat parts of the graph and incorrectly assume the object is still in motion.
- Confusing speed with velocity: Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only), while velocity includes direction. Here, the speed is simply $0 , \text{m/s}$, not accounting for direction.
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