Graphs for an Object in Mechanical Equilibrium
Click on the red x at the top of the right-hand brick wall in the simulation. The brick walls will go away. See the images below. Click to enlarge.
Place you cursor over the refrigerator. Then, drag slightly to the right on the refrigerator, and then LET GO. Once you get the refrigerator started moving, take your mouse away from the refrigerator.
Watch the refrigerator move for several seconds, and then click on the "Pause" button at the bottom of the simulation. Below the refrigerator, you should see both the Net Force Versus Time graph and the Velocity Versus Time graph. Both graphs should be horizontal after the initial push. The Net Force Versus Time graph is still located on the horizontal axis, but now the Velocity Versus Time graph is located ABOVE the horizontal axis.
Rearrange the sentence in the self-quiz below to find out why the Velocity Versus Time graph is now located above the horizontal axis.
Watch the refrigerator move for several seconds, and then click on the "Pause" button at the bottom of the simulation. Below the refrigerator, you should see both the Net Force Versus Time graph and the Velocity Versus Time graph. Both graphs should be horizontal after the initial push. The Net Force Versus Time graph is still located on the horizontal axis, but now the Velocity Versus Time graph is located ABOVE the horizontal axis.
Rearrange the sentence in the self-quiz below to find out why the Velocity Versus Time graph is now located above the horizontal axis.
Why is the Velocity Versus Time Graph Above the Horizontal Axis? Self-Quiz
If you have not already, scroll to the top of the page and read the material before attempting this exercise. When you are ready to begin with this exercise, click on the parts to put them in order to form a sentence. When you think your answer is correct, click on "Check" to check your answer. If you get stuck, click on "Hint" to find out the next correct part.