Question

Draw a velocity-time graph for a body moving with an initial velocity u and uniform acceleration a. Use this graph to find the distance travelled by the body in time t.

Answer 1

In this graph, initial velocity = u

Velocity at time t = v

Let acceleration be 'a'

Time = t

Then, distance travelled by the body in t s = area between the v-t graph and X-axis

Or distance travelled by the body in t s = area of the trapezium OABD

 = (1/2) × (sum of parallel sides) × (perpendicular distance between them)

 = (1/2) × (u + v) × (t)

  = (u + v)t /2