What does the slope of a line on a velocity vs time graph represent?

Answer 1

The slope of the line of a speed-versus-time graph will give you acceleration. Remember that acceleration may be positive or negative, and in some cases, acceleration may be positive when speed remains the same.1 If the speed-time curve is linear or piecewise linear2, acceleration is, as stated above, merely the slope of the line segment. If, however, the graph is a smooth curve, then changing acceleration is represented. In other words, the rate of change of velocity -- delta-V over delta-T -- is not a constant. In that case, the slope of the line segment tangent to the curve at any given point is the acceleration at that point. Note 1: There is a discussion comment on this point.

Note 2: See the web link for an example of a graph that is piecewise linear.

Answer 2

The slope of a velocity-time graph is acceleration. Acceleration is change in velocity over time. On a velocity-time graph, velocity is the dependent variable and is the y coordinate. Time is the independent variable and is the x coordinate. So to find the slope, you use the equation y2-y1/x2-x1, which is change in velocity over time interval, which is acceleration. If velocity is measured in m/s and time is measured in seconds, the units for the slope would be m/s/s or m/s2, which is a unit for acceleration.

Answer 3

The rate of change of acceleration (ie. the slope of an acceleration-time graph) is the 'jerk'. It is the third derivative of displacement.

Answer 4

The slope of a velocity versus time graph is the acceleration.

Answer 5

The SLOPE (you misspelled it) on a velocity time graph indicates that it is excelerating or decelerating (depending if it is going up or down)

Answer 6

The acceleration.

If the slope is only at a certain point then it's instantaneous acceleration and if the slope is made from two points then it's an average acceleration.

Answer 7

The slope of a line on a velocity vs. time graph represents acceleration. A steeper slope indicates greater acceleration, while a horizontal line indicates constant velocity (zero acceleration).

Answer 8

magnitude of acceleration