FIGURE 2-8
-Figure 2-8 represents the position of a particle as it travels along the x-axis. How does the instantaneous speed of the particle when t = 2 s compare with its speed when t = 4 s?
A) The speed at t = 2 s is larger.
B) The speed at t = 2 s is smaller.
C) They are about equal.
D) The speed at t = 4 s is the negative of the speed at t = 2 s.
E) The speed at t = 2 s is the negative of the speed at t = 4 s.

Question

FIGURE 2-8 
-Figure 2-8 represents the position of a particle as it travels along the x-axis. How does the instantaneous speed of the particle when t = 2 s compare with its speed when t = 4 s?
A) The speed at t = 2 s is larger. 
B) The speed at t = 2 s is smaller. 
C) They are about equal. 
D) The speed at t = 4 s is the negative of the speed at t = 2 s. 
E) The speed at t = 2 s is the negative of the speed at t = 4 s.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The slope of the position-time graph is the instantaneous speed. The slope of the graph is steeper at t = 4 s than at t = 2 s, so the speed is greater at t = 4 s.

FIGURE 2-8 -Figure 2-8 Represents the Position of a Particle as It