Motion Graphs
Motion Graphs
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1. Position vs. Time Graphs
How an object's position changes over time
Slope = velocity
A. Formula
∆ position / ∆ time = xf - xi / tf - ti = velocity
B. Key Graph Behaviors
Flat line (no slope)
Object is at rest
Straight, upward line
Constant positive velocity
Curved upward line
Speeding up in the positive direction -> positive acceleration
Curve flattening out
Slowing down in the in the positive direction -> negative acceleration
Curved downward line (steepening)
Speeding up in the negative direction -> negative acceleration
Straight, downward line
Constant velocity in the negative direction
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2. Velocity vs. Time Graphs
How velocity changes with time
Slope = acceleration
Area under the graph = displacement
A. Formula
∆ velocity / ∆ time = vf - vi / tf - ti = acceleration
B. Key Graph Behaviors
Flat, positive line
Constant velocity in the positive direction
Line at 0
Object is at rest
Line sloping upward
Speeding up in the positive direction -> positive acceleration
Line sloping downward
Slowing down in the positive direction -> negative acceleration
Flat line below 0
Constant velocity in the negative direction
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3. Acceleration vs. Time Graphs
How acceleration changes with time
Flat line = constant acceleration (can be 0, +, or -)
Area under the graph = velocity
A. Key Graph Behaviors
Flat line at 0
No acceleration -> constant velocity
Flat line above 0
Constant positive acceleration
Flat line below 0
Constant negative acceleration