Physics+Journal

Kyle Tobolski Mr. Manning Physics 21 October 2008 Physics Journal

In class today we reviewed how to graph and find the area of a VT graph. The area is needed in order to find out the displacement of the graph. To find the area of the graph we have to determine the area bounded by the graphed line, the horizontal axis, and the interval along the horizontal axis that we’re looking for. On a VT graph the area is bordered by the graphed line, the time axis, and the time interval we’re looking for. There are several different formulas that must be used in order to find the area of a VT graph, and differs depending on the shape made out by the graphed line, interval, and horizontal axis. The shapes range from a triangle, rectangle, and trapezoid, and all have different formulas required to find the area. Here are the different ways to find and solve the displacement (area) of the different forms of VT graphs. If the horizontal axis, graphed line, and interval form a triangular shape then the formula is as follows, A=1/2 b*h. The b stands for base while the h stands for height. Here is an example to explain how the formula is used: 50 .12 Area=1/2b*h Area=1/2.12*50 Area=3

If the horizontal axis, graphed line, and the interval form a rectangle then the formula is as follows, A=l*w. The l stands for length while the w stands for width. Here is an example for how this formula is used: 40

420 A=l*w A=40*420 A=16800

If the horizontal axis, graphed line, and the interval form a rectangle then the formula is as follows, A=1/2(b1+B2)*h. The b1 and b2 stand for the bases, while the h stands for the height. Here is an example of how this formula is used: 15 25 78 Area=1/2(b1+b2)h Area=1/2(15+25)h Area=1560