How can you determine if an objects accelerating by looking at a speed vs. time graph

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Maia Beard

Physics

13 June, 16:16

How can you determine if an objects accelerating by looking at a speed vs. time graph

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Antoine Mckenzie · Answer 1

First, remember that 'acceleration' is any change in the object's speed or direction. So the object is accelerating if it's speeding up, or slowing down, or moving in a curve.

If it's speeding up or slowing down, then the graph of its speed vs. time is anything different from a horizontal line.

If it's moving in a curve but maintaining a constant speed, then the speed vs. time graph doesn't reveal it, although the object is technically still accelerating.