According to a car's progress graph along a highway, which statement is true?

Prepare for the GACE Physics Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to help you succeed. Boost your confidence and get ready for the exam!

The assertion regarding the highest acceleration in the time interval from 0 to 5 minutes is valid because acceleration is defined as the change in velocity over time. If the graph of the car's progress shows a steep slope (indicating a rapid change in position) during the initial moments, this suggests that the car is speeding up quickly, which corresponds to high acceleration.

In typical motion graphs, the steepness of the curve can indicate changes in speed. If the car was initially stationary or moving slowly and then quickly increased its speed, the first few minutes would show the greatest rate of change in velocity, represented on the graph by a steep incline. This rapid speed increase is indicative of high acceleration.

Understanding how acceleration is depicted on a graph is crucial; a flatter incline over time suggests slower acceleration. Therefore, the statement about the highest acceleration occurring between 0 and 5 minutes accurately reflects the nature of motion represented in progress graphs when they display a steep upward slope.

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