Kinematic Graphing - Mission KG8 Detailed Help

This velocity-time graph depicts the motion of an object. Use the graph to determine the displacement (in meters) of the object during the last 4.0 seconds (or the last 6.0 seconds).


 
Velocity-Time Graphs:
Velocity versus time graphs represent changes that occur in an object's velocity with respect to time. The slope of the line is the acceleration (change in velocity divided by the change in time) of the object. The area under the line (between the line on the graph and the time axis) is the displacement of the object.


 
This question asks you to determine the displacement during the LAST 4.0 seconds (OR 6.0 seconds). It is a common student mistake to skip over the word LAST and simply find the displacement during the first 4.0 seconds (OR 6.0 seconds).


 
Success on this question will involve accurately calculating the area between the line on the graph and the time axis for the LAST 4.0 seconds (OR 6.0 seconds). The shape of the region between the line and the time axis is a rectangle. The area of a rectangle can be calculated using the formula in the Math Magic section below. Be accurate with your readings of the height and the base and enter your answer to at least the second decimal place.


 
The area (A) of a rectangular shape can be determined from knowledge of the height (h) and the base (b) of the triangle.
 
Area = base • height
A = b • h