Question

    A displacement-time graph is curved and concave downward

    from t = 0 to t = 2 s. Which statement is true?
    A Acceleration is negative Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B Velocity is increasing Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C Displacement is negative Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D Motion is uniform Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The shape of the displacement-time graph reveals information about the nature of motion. If the graph is curved, the motion is non-uniform, and if it is concave downward, this indicates that the slope of the graph (i.e., velocity) is decreasing with time. A decreasing velocity corresponds to negative acceleration. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that the acceleration is negative during this time interval.

    • Acceleration is negative → Correct, as the graph is concave downward indicating decreasing velocity.
    • Velocity is increasing → Incorrect, since the slope is decreasing.
    • Displacement is negative → Incorrect, because the sign of displacement cannot be inferred from the shape alone.
    • Motion is uniform → Incorrect, as a curved graph implies non-uniform motion.

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