Question

Larry and Balky set up an experiment to analyze the motion of a marble as it rolled down an incline. They started the marble at the top of the ramp and set up photogates to collect data as the marble rolled down the ramp.

Which graph format will allow Larry and Balky to calculate instantaneous accleration from the slope of the graph?
A) Velocity on the y-axis, time on the x-axis
B) Distance on the y-axis, time on the x-axis
C) Time on the x-axis, distance on the y-axis
D) Velocity on the y-axis, distance on the x-axis

Answer 1

A) Velocity on the y-axis, time on the x-axis

Answer 2

Option A is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The instantaneous acceleration = Change in velocity in velocity/Time taken

The slope of the graph should give instantaneous acceleration.

Slope of a graph = Change in value of Y -axis / Change in values of X -axis

Comparing both the equations

Change in value of Y -axis = Change in velocity in velocity

Change in values of X -axis = Time taken

So velocity values should be on the Y axis and Time values should be on the X axis.

Option A is the correct answer.