Question

Displacement–time graph of a particle moving in a straight line is as shown in Figure. State whether the motion is accelerated or not. Describe the motion in detail. Given s₀ =20 m and t₀ = 4 s.

Answer 1

The slope of the displacement time graph at an instant gives the velocity at that instant. If the slope is constant, the velocity is uniform (zero acceleration). If the slope changes with time the motion is accelerated.

Slope of s–t graph is constant. Hence, velocity of particle is constant. Further at time t = 0, displacement of the particle from the mean position is –s₀ i.e. –20 m. 

velocity of particle,

Motion of the particle is as shown in Fig. 2.72. At t = 0 is at –20 m and has a constant velocity of 5 m/s. At t₀ = 4 sec particle will pass through its mean position.