If an object has constant acceleration due to a constant net force absent of friction, what shape does the speed versus time graph take?

If an object has constant acceleration due to a constant net force absent of friction, what shape does the speed versus time graph take?

• A. Curved line
• B. Vertical line
• C. Straight line
• D. Horizontal line

Answer: (C)

When an object experiences constant acceleration due to a constant net force, it means that the rate of change of its velocity is uniform over time. In such a case, the speed versus time graph will be a straight line. This linear relationship arises because the acceleration is defined as the change in velocity over time, and with constant acceleration, each unit of time results in an equal increment of speed. The slope of the straight line on the graph represents the value of the acceleration. A positive slope indicates acceleration, while a zero slope indicates constant velocity, and a negative slope would indicate deceleration. Thus, when the speed versus time graph is a straight line, it directly demonstrates the principle of constant acceleration, confirming that the speed increases (or decreases) steadily over time as long as the net force remains unchanged.

When an object experiences constant acceleration due to a constant net force, it means that the rate of change of its velocity is uniform over time. In such a case, the speed versus time graph will be a straight line. This linear relationship arises because the acceleration is defined as the change in velocity over time, and with constant acceleration, each unit of time results in an equal increment of speed.

The slope of the straight line on the graph represents the value of the acceleration. A positive slope indicates acceleration, while a zero slope indicates constant velocity, and a negative slope would indicate deceleration. Thus, when the speed versus time graph is a straight line, it directly demonstrates the principle of constant acceleration, confirming that the speed increases (or decreases) steadily over time as long as the net force remains unchanged.