he slope of the tangent line is the instantaneous velocity, which in this case is

v _ _5.2 m/s. This graphical result can be verified by using Equation 2.4 with
v0 _ 0 m/s: v _ at _ (_0.26 m/s2)(20.0 s) __5.2 m/s.
Insight into the meaning of acceleration can also be gained with the aid of a graphical
representation. Consider an object moving with a constant acceleration of a__6 m/s2. If
the object has an initial velocity of v0__5 m/s, its velocity at any time is represented by
Equation 2.4 as
This relation is plotted as the velocity–time graph in Figure 2.21. The graph of v versus t
is a straight line that intercepts the vertical axis at v0 _ 5 m/s. The slope of this straight
line can be calculated from the data shown in the drawing:
The ratio _v/_t is, by definition, equal to the average acceleration (Equation 2.4), so the
slope of the straight line in a velocity–time graph is the average acceleration.
Slope _
_v
_t
_
_12 m/s
2s
_ _6 m/s2
v _ v0 _ at _ 5 m>s _ (6 m/s2)t
Concepts & Calculations
In this chapter we have studied the displacement, velocity, and acceleration vectors.
We conclude now by presenting examples that review some of the important features of
these concepts. The three-part format of these examples stresses the role of conceptual
understanding in problem solving. First, the problem statement is given. Then, there is a
concept question-and-answer section, followed by the solution section. The purpose of the
concept question-and-answer section is to provide help in understanding the solution and
to illustrate how a review of the concepts can help in anticipating some of the characteristics
of the numerical answers.
2.8
Concepts & Calculations Example 17
Skydiving
A skydiver is falling straight down, along the negative y direction. (a) During the initial part of
the fall, her speed increases from 16 to 28 m/s in 1.5 s, as in Figure 2.22a. (b) Later, her parachute
opens, and her speed decreases from 48 to 26 m/s in 11 s, as in part b of the drawing. In
both instances, determine the magnitude and direction of her average acceleration.
Concept Questions and Answers Is her average acceleration positive or negative when her
speed is increasing in Figure 2.22a?
Answer Since her speed is increasing, the acceleration vector must point in the same
direction as the velocity vector, which points in the negative y direction. Thus, the acceleration
is negative.
Is her average acceleration positive or negative when her speed is decreasing in Figure 2.22b?
Answer Since her speed is decreasing, the acceleration vector must point opposite to the
velocity vector. Since the velocity vector points in the negative y direction, the acceleration
must point in the positive y direction. Thus, the acceleration is positive.
Solution (a) Since the skydiver is moving in the negative y direction, her initial velocity is
v0__16 m/s and her final velocity is v__28 m/s. Her average acceleration is the change
in the velocity divided by the elapsed time:
(2.4)
As expected, her average acceleration is negative. Note that her acceleration is not that due to
gravity (_9.8 m/s2) because of air resistance.
a _ _8.0 m/s2
v _ v0
t
_
_28 m/s _ (_16 m/s)
1.5 s
_
a
(a)
0
(b)
_
_
_0
_
–
+
–
+
Figure 2.22 (a) A skydiver falls initially
with her parachute unopened. (b) Later on,
she opens her parachute. Her acceleration is
different in the two parts of the motion. The
initial and final velocities are v0