Motion Graphs

What are Motion Graphs?

Motion graphs are graphs used to show how an object's motion changes with time. The three main motion graphs are distance-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and acceleration-time graphs.

What is Distance-Time Graph?

A distance-time graph shows how the distance traveled changes with time.

The slope (gradient) of the graph represents speed.

Horizontal line → object is stationary.

Straight sloping line → constant speed.

Steeper slope → greater speed.

Changing slope → changing speed.

Formula:

speed = distance / time

What is Velocity-Time Graph?

A velocity-time graph shows how an object's velocity changes with time.

The slope (gradient) represents acceleration.

The area under the graph represents displacement.

Horizontal line → constant velocity.

Sloping upward → positive acceleration.

Sloping downward → negative acceleration.

Velocity below zero → motion in the negative direction.

Formula:

acceleration = change in velocity / time

What is Acceleration-Time Graph?

An acceleration-time graph shows how acceleration changes with time.

The area under the graph represents the change in velocity.

Horizontal line above zero → constant positive acceleration.

Horizontal line below zero → constant negative acceleration.

Line at zero → zero acceleration, so velocity is constant.

What are the Important Relationships in Motion Graphs?

Distance-time graph → slope = speed

Velocity-time graph → slope = acceleration

Velocity-time graph → area = displacement

Acceleration-time graph → area = change in velocity

What are the Important Facts about Motion Graphs?

Motion graphs help us understand motion visually. Instead of only using equations, we can use the shape, slope, and area of a graph to determine how an object is moving.