2.

2 MOTION GRAPHS
Part 1: Displacement vs. Time Graph Part 2: Velocity vs. Time Graph

By: SYAZA IZZATY ISMAIL

Part 1: Displacement-Time Graphs

Displacement-Time Graph

We can analyse the velocity of an object by plotting a graph of The of the displacementtime graph represent the of the object.

Plotting a Displacement-Time Graph

Axis
Distance (position) on Time on Slope is the velocity Steeper slope = No slope (horizontal line) =

Where and When ?

We can use a position time graph to tell us where an object is at any moment in time. Where was the car at 4 s?

How long did it take the car to travel 20 m?

Various displacement-time graphs

1) Object at rest

There is no change in the displacement over time. The straight line graph is parallel to the time axis. Velocity= =

Various displacement-time graphs

2) Object moving with constant speed

The rate of change of displacement is The straight line graph has a constant gradient.

Acceleration =

Various displacement-time graphs

3) Object moving with acceleration

The rate of change of displacement is . The gradient of the curve is showing that the velocity is . The object experiences . The instantaneous velocity= gradient at that instant.

Position vs. Time Graphs The meaning of Shape

Constant Velocity Positive Velocity Changing Velocity Positive Velocity

Constant Velocity Slow, Rightward (+)

Constant Velocity Fast, Leftward (+)

Negative (-) Velocity Slow to Fast

Calculate the velocity

Part 2: Velocity-Time Graphs

Velocity-Time Graph
The acceleration or deceleration of an object is represented by the gradient of the velocity-time graph. The displacement travelled by the object is represented by

(displacement travelled= )

Example:

v 12 m s Slope 6 m s 2 t 2s

Describing Motion with VelocityTime Graphs - Shape

The velocity vs. time graphs for the two types of motion:
Positive Velocity Zero Acceleration

More about slope

Velocity
Velocity changes when an object

Check Your Understanding

The velocity-time graph for a two-stage rocket is shown below. Use the graph and your understanding of slope calculations to determine the acceleration of the rocket during the listed time intervals. a. t = 0 - 1 second b. t = 1 - 4 second c. t = 4 - 12 second

Determining the Area on a v-t Graph

For velocity vs. time graphs, the area bounded by the line and the axes represents the distance travelled.