Physics quiz question: average velocity

Physics 5A Quiz 2, Spring Semester 2008
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 1/e, Conceptual Question 2.4

[3.0 points.] The chord slope of an x(t) graph is:
(A) the average velocity.
(B) the average acceleration.
(C) the change in (instantaneous) velocity.
(D) the change in (instantaneous) acceleration.

Correct answer: (A)

(Cf. "Physics chain of pain," an earlier post summarizing the graphical slope-area relations between kinematics graphs.)

Response (B) is the chord slope of a v_x(t) graph; response (C) is the area contained under an a_x(t) graph; response (D) is the area contained under a jerk(t) graph.

Student responses
Sections 4987, 4988
(A) : 24 students
(B) : 7 students
(C) : 14 students
(D) : 0 students