MCQEasyJEE 2023Graphs of Motion

JEE Physics 2023 Question with Solution

The position-time graphs for two students A and B returning from school to their homes are shown. Which of the following statements are correct?

Position-time graph with vertical axis x and horizontal axis t, showing two straight lines from origin O, line A steeper than line B.
  • A

    A lives closer to the school

  • B

    B lives closer to the school

  • C

    A takes lesser time to reach home

  • D

    A travels faster than B

Answer

Correct answer:A

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The position-time graphs of students A and B are straight lines starting from the school.

Find: Which statements are correct.

In a position-time graph, the slope represents speed.

slopeA=VA\text{slope}_A = V_AslopeB=VB\text{slope}_B = V_B

From the graph, the line for A is steeper than the line for B. Therefore,

VA>VBV_A > V_B

So A travels faster than B, and statement D is correct while statement E given in the source list is false. Also, for the same plotted time, the position of A is greater than that of B, so A lives farther from the school and B lives closer to the school.

Hence statement B is correct and statement A is false.

Therefore, among the four listed options here, the correct statements are B and D. The provided source answer and solution conclusion contain a discrepancy with the graph.

Graph Interpretation

A larger slope in an xx-tt graph means larger speed because

slope=ΔxΔt\text{slope} = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t}

Since line A has greater slope,

ΔxAΔt>ΔxBΔt\frac{\Delta x_A}{\Delta t} > \frac{\Delta x_B}{\Delta t}

so A is faster.

Also, at the same value of tt, the line A lies above B, which means A is at a greater distance from the school than B. Therefore B lives closer to the school.

Thus the graph supports B and D.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the steeper line means lesser speed. In a position-time graph, greater slope means greater speed. Compare the inclinations carefully.

  • Confusing distance from school with time taken to reach home. The vertical position shows displacement from school, while time is read on the horizontal axis.

  • Relying only on the printed answer key when it contradicts the graph. The graph itself must be interpreted using slope and position.

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