Position vs. Time Graphs

Motion Graphs

Position vs. Time Graph Properties

Position is on the vertical axis Time is on the horizontal axis Slope (rise/run or Δy/Δx) = velocity A curved graph shows acceleration

Velocity = Slopeposition

time

position

time

positive velocity negative velocity

Acceleration

Positive acceleration(smile!)

Negative acceleration(frown!)

Describe the motion represented by this position-time graph.

Velocity-Time and Acceleration-Time Graphs

Motion Graphs

Velocity vs. Time Graphs

Velocity is on the vertical axis Time is on the horizontal axis Slope is acceleration Area between the graph and the

time-axis is displacement Use triangles and rectangles to find the

area

velocity

time

A ball thrown up in the air (initial +v), slowing down, stopping at it’s peak (zero velocity), and coming back down (-v). Constant negative acceleration.

Determine the displacement from 2 to 5 seconds.

velocity

time

50 m/s

5 sec2 sec

20 m/s

acceleration

time (sec)

2 m/s2

-4 m/s2

5020 80

A car is moving with a constant acceleration of +2 m/s2 for 20 seconds and then travels at a constant velocity for 30 seconds and then travels with a constant acceleration of -4 m/s2 for 30 seconds.