I'm suppose to draw velocity time and acceleration time graph for a rocket that is launched vertically into the air and falls back down to its initial height. We are to assume that x axis is up.
So would I draw an curved figure like a downward parabola or a straight vertical line and downward negative slope to indicate back to initial height?
To draw the velocity-time and acceleration-time graph for a vertically launched rocket that falls back down to its initial height, you need to consider the motion of the rocket in different phases.
1. Ascending Phase: During this phase, the rocket is moving upwards against the force of gravity. Its velocity initially increases and then starts to decrease until it reaches its maximum height. The acceleration is negative (due to gravity) and remains constant.
For the velocity-time graph, you would draw a curve that starts from zero velocity and gradually increases until it reaches a maximum velocity when the rocket reaches its highest point. Then, the curve would decrease as the rocket slows down while moving upwards.
For the acceleration-time graph, you would draw a straight horizontal line at a negative value representing the constant acceleration due to gravity.
2. Descending Phase: After reaching its maximum height, the rocket starts to fall back down towards its initial height. Its velocity becomes negative and gradually increases in magnitude. The acceleration remains constant but changes direction to positive (also due to gravity).
For the velocity-time graph, you would draw a curve that starts from the maximum velocity (in the opposite direction) and gradually increases in magnitude as the rocket falls back down towards the initial height.
For the acceleration-time graph, you would draw a straight horizontal line at a positive value representing the constant acceleration due to gravity.
Note: The graphs you draw should accurately represent the motion of the rocket, considering the characteristics mentioned above. The actual shape of the graphs may depend on the specific values of velocity and acceleration, as well as the scale you are using.