Problem
Problem
The figure shows velocity-time graph of a particle moving along a straight line. The velocity-time graph has a vertical axis 'v' in m/s, ranging from -20 to 10, and a horizontal axis 't' in seconds, with marks at 0, 1, 2, and 3. The graph is a straight line starting at (0, 10) and passing through (1, 0) and (2, -10). Identify the correct statement. a. The particle starts from the origin b. The particle crosses its initial position at c. The average speed of the particle in the time interval, is zero d. All of the aboveIntuitive explanation
This problem tests your understanding of how a velocity-time graph encodes motion: the slope tells you acceleration, while the area under the curve tells you displacement. Since the graph is a straight line, the acceleration is constant—you can read it directly from the slope. The key insight is recognizing that negative velocity doesn't mean the particle is slowing down; it means the particle has reversed direction. Use the slope to find , then think carefully about what negative represents physically.
Intuitive explanation
This problem tests your understanding of how a velocity-time graph encodes motion: the slope tells you acceleration, while the area under the curve tells you displacement. Since the graph is a straight line, the acceleration is constant—you can read it directly from the slope. The key insight is recognizing that negative velocity doesn't mean the particle is slowing down; it means the particle has reversed direction. Use the slope to find , then think carefully about what negative represents physically.