Question

which graph shows a negative acceleration? position (m) time (s) position (m) time (s)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall acceleration - position - time relation

Acceleration is the second - derivative of position with respect to time. On a position - time graph, the slope of the graph gives velocity, and the change in slope gives acceleration.

Step2: Analyze first graph

The first graph is a straight line. The slope of a straight - line position - time graph is constant, which means the velocity is constant. Since acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, a constant velocity implies zero acceleration ($a = 0$).

Step3: Analyze second graph

The second graph is a curve that is getting steeper as time increases. The slope of the position - time graph (which is velocity) is increasing. An increasing velocity means positive acceleration ($a>0$).

Since neither of the given graphs shows negative acceleration, we need more graphs to answer the question accurately. But based on the analysis of these two:

Answer:

Neither of the given graphs shows negative acceleration.