The position-time ($x-t$) graph of a particle in one-dimensional motion is a curve. Is it correct to

Question

The position-time ($x-t$) graph of a particle in one-dimensional motion is a curve. Is it correct to say from the graph that the particle moves on a parabolic path if the graph is a parabola?

Professor PC Thomas Classes · Answer

An $x-t$ graph represents how the position of the particle changes with time in one-dimensional motion. The motion is strictly along a straight line. The shape of the graph (like a parabola) indicates non-uniform velocity (constant acceleration), not the actual spatial path (trajectory) of the particle.