How can u determine that a falling object has reached terminal velocity from a velocity time graph of its motion?

Question

u can determine if a falling object has reached terminal velocity from a velocity-time graph of its motion by its stop of acceleration. The falling object no longer accelerates and travels at constant velocity. At this point, the upward forces equal the downward forces.

Explain how u would determine the distance the object travelled. How does ur answer differ from ur answer to a? (I do not get this question) wouldn't u times the v by time to get distance?

Answer 1

If you have a velocity versus time graph, the distance traveled is the area under that velocity curve. For every little vertical slice of the graph from the time axis up to the velocity curve the little area around that vertical line is velocity times that little time, which is distance. When you add all those slices up you get the area which is the total distance.

Answer 2

thanks for the explanation Damon, it was very helpful:) thanks so much:)

Answer 3

You are welcome. Congratulations on solving your first calculus problem :)