Question

use the graph above of velocity vs. time for an object to answer the question: which statement below fairly compares segment 2 and segment 3? (1 point) segments 2 and 3 have different periods of time and the force during segment 2 is different than the force during segment 3. segments 2 and 3 have equal periods of time but the force during segment 2 is different than the force during segment 3. segments 2 and 3 have equal periods of time and the force acting in each segment is the same during each period of time. segments 2 and 3 have different periods of time, but the force acting in each segment is the same during each period of time.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

$F = ma$, and acceleration $a$ is the slope of the velocity - time graph.

Step2: Analyze time periods

Check the time - axis for the duration of segment 2 and segment 3.

Step3: Analyze slopes

If slopes are equal, acceleration (and thus force assuming mass is constant) is equal; if slopes are different, acceleration (and force) are different.

Answer:

We need the actual graph to determine the time - periods and slopes precisely. But conceptually, we first measure the time intervals for segment 2 and segment 3 on the time - axis of the velocity - time graph. Then we calculate the slopes of segment 2 and segment 3. If the time intervals are equal and slopes are equal, the force is the same and time periods are equal. If time intervals are equal but slopes are different, time periods are equal but force is different. If time intervals are different and slopes are different, time periods and force are different. If time intervals are different but slopes are equal, time periods are different but force is the same. Without the graph, we can't give a definite answer from the options provided.