Mechanics 05 - Motion in a Straight Line

When an object is stationary, what do displacement-time and velocity-time graphs look like?

Both are strainght, horizontal lines. The velocity-time graph is always at v=0, and the displacement time is at any s value.

Describe the displacement-time and velocity-time graphs of an object that is moving with a constant velocity.

The displacement-time graph is a straight, diagonal line, with a positive gradient if the velocity is positive.

The velocity-time graph is a straight, horizontal line, above the t-axis if the gradient is positive.

Describe the displacement-time and velocity-time graphs of an object that is moving with constant acceleration.

The displacement-time graph is a parabola, with the gradient of the displacement-time getting bigger.

The velocity-time graph is a straight, diagonal line, with velocity getting larger linearly over time.

Describe the displacement-time and velocity-time graphs of an object that is moving with constant deceleration.

The displacement-time graph starts with a large gradient, and slowly tends towards zero.

The velocity-time graph is a straight, diagonal line, with velocity getting smaller linearly over time.

What is the relationship between a displacement-time graph and a velocity-time graph?

The velocity-time graph shows the gradient of the displacement-time graph against time.

In Suvat Equations, what do the letters s, u, v, a, t stand for, and what are their units?

s - displacement (m), u - initial velocity (m/s), v - final velocity (m/s), a - acceleration (m/s²), t - time (s)

What are the five Suvat Equations?

s = ½(v-u)t

v = u + at

v² = u² + 2as

s = ut + ½at²

s = vt - ½at²