Question

The graph shows the velocity-time graph of a particle as it passes a point O. After passing O, when does the particle have the smallest displacement and what is the value of the smallest displacement?

Answer 1

do u know how to calculate displacement in VT graph?

Answer 2

By finding the areas under the curve?

Answer 3

correct!.. but.. the question is kinda confusing.. its asking for smalleest displacement

displacement depends on time.. .. so is it like you have to consider a specific period of time or something? :-/

Answer 4

The answer given is 40.9 m.

Answer 5

so at time t=0 , the particles passed the point 0 ?

Answer 6

Not sure

Answer 7

then the question isn't worded properly .. atleast i don't get the question :P

Answer 8

@AllTehMaffs

Answer 9

It's weird :P I think they do want you to assume that point 0 is at t=0 because t is the x-axis.

area under the curve is right: They want you to compare the areas of
\[0s<t<8s
\\
8s<t<11s
\\
11s<t<15s\]

so for the little bit on the far right
\[ \text{base}=2s \quad; \quad \text{height} = -10/3 \ m/s\]
giving the area as
\[ \text{displacement}= \ 2 \Big(\frac{1}{2}bh\Big)\]


Then you can compare it to the big rectangle, and the other triangle to see which gives you the greatest displacement. (magnitude)