Instantaneous Acceleration

Let's discuss a problem useful for Physics Olympiad based on Instantaneous Acceleration.

The Problem:

Velocity-displacement curve of a particle moving in a straight line is as shown

• 2m/s²
• 5 m/s²
• 1 m/s²
• Zero

Discussion:

Acceleration a=v dv/ds

From, the graph, we can see a=vtanθ

tanθ=1/4

Putting the values, we get acceleration a= 1m/s²