IB Physics Mechanics: Speed-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs

This video tutorial covers mechanics and motion, focusing on speed-time and velocity-time graphs. It uses a narrative involving Vector Man to illustrate concepts like acceleration, displacement, and velocity. The tutorial explains how to interpret these graphs, calculate gradients, and understand the difference between average and instantaneous velocity. It concludes with a sample question to reinforce learning.

What is the primary limitation of speed-time graphs in physics?

• They cannot show negative speed.

• They do not provide information about displacement or acceleration.

• They are difficult to interpret.

• They require complex calculations.

In a velocity-time graph, what does a negative gradient indicate?

• No motion

• Constant velocity

• Negative acceleration

• Positive acceleration

How is displacement determined from a velocity-time graph?

• By counting the number of peaks

• By calculating the area between the graph and the horizontal axis

• By finding the slope of the graph

• By measuring the height of the graph

What is the significance of a horizontal line on a velocity-time graph?

• The object is stationary

• The object is moving at a constant velocity

• The object is decelerating

• The object is accelerating

What does a curved line on a velocity-time graph suggest about acceleration?

• Acceleration is constant

• Acceleration is changing

• The object is not moving

• The object is moving at a constant speed

How can you find an object's instantaneous velocity from a velocity-time graph?

• By counting the number of peaks

• By measuring the area under the graph

• By calculating the slope of the graph

• By reading the coordinates of the graph

What is the average velocity of an object if it starts and ends at the same point?

• Equal to its maximum velocity

• Zero

• Equal to its initial velocity

• Equal to its final velocity

In the sample question, what is the car's acceleration when it rolls down the incline?

• 3 meters per second squared up the incline

• 6 meters per second squared down the incline

• 3 meters per second squared down the incline

• 0 meters per second squared

What is the total displacement of the toy car after 0.9 seconds in the sample question?

• 0.06 meters down the incline

• 0.24 meters down the incline

• 0.06 meters up the incline

• 0.3 meters up the incline

What does a negative area on a velocity-time graph represent?

• No motion

• Motion in the negative direction

• Constant velocity

• Motion in the positive direction