Mathematics
Mathematics
Problem
What does a negative slope on a position–time graph indicate about the direction of the particle’s velocity?Intuitive explanation
A negative slope on a position–time graph means the particle is moving in the negative direction (backward, downward, or left—depending on your coordinate system). The slope of a position–time graph is velocity, so when that slope is negative, the velocity itself is negative, telling you the object is traveling opposite to the positive direction you've defined. Think of it as the position value decreasing over time.
Intuitive explanation
A negative slope on a position–time graph means the particle is moving in the negative direction (backward, downward, or left—depending on your coordinate system). The slope of a position–time graph is velocity, so when that slope is negative, the velocity itself is negative, telling you the object is traveling opposite to the positive direction you've defined. Think of it as the position value decreasing over time.