Chapter 3.2, Problem 39SSC

To determine

To Draw: A velocity-time and a position-time graph one above the other on the same time scale to represent the given motion of a sprinter.

To Indicate: The starting blocks and finish line are on position-time graph.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

A sprinter walks at constant speed up to starting blocks. She accelerates until attains a constant velocity, after hearing the starting pistol go off. She slows down to a walk after she crosses to the finish line (maintaining the same velocity). After that she speeds up at beginning.

Graph:

  

AB represents sprinter walks up to the starting blocks at a constant speed.

CD represents she accelerates rapidly and attains a constant velocity.

DE represents she maintains this constant velocity

EF represents she crosses the finish line, and then slows down to a walk