Khevin Sandy
Motion Graphs:
Describe motion and demonstrate the specific features of motion by the shape and the slope of
the line on the graph.
Position time graph or distance time graph
Velocity time graph
Activity:
Observe the types of graphs depicted above.
1. List the types of slopes observed on each type of graph and state what parameter of
motion each type of slope represents.
On the distance time graph, there are many slopes that can be observed:
Positive slope: this slope is used to represent the parameter of speed when it is constant
and acceleration when it changes or curves upwards.
Negative slope: this slope is used to represent the parameter of speed when it is constant
and deceleration when it changes or curves downwards.
No slope: this is used to represent just the time since the object covers no distance
On the velocity time graph, there are many slopes that can be observed:
Positive slope: this slope is used to represent the parameter of constant acceleration when
it is constant and increasing acceleration when it changes or curves upwards.
Negative slope: this slope is used to represent the parameter of acceleration when it is
constant.
No slope: this is used to represent just the speed of the object since the object does not
change it’s velocity.
2. Compare the slopes of the line and state all similarities or differences.
One both graphs the slope of the lines as either positive, negative or no slope at all.
When the slope is constant on the distance-time graph, it represents speed because speed
is distance (on the y axis) over time (on the x axis). When it is curved, it represents
acceleration because acceleration is the change in velocity over time.
When the slope is constant on the velocity-time graph, it represents acceleration apart
from when it is on the horizontal. This is because acceleration is a change in velocity (on
the y axis) over time (on the x axis). However, when it is flat, the parameter is speed
because there is no change in the velocity. When it is curved, it represents an increase or
decrease in acceleration because, as it goes up or down, the velocity will get higher or
lower.
3. Observe the distance time graph below and answer the following questions:
A. Describe the motion of the object.
The object follows a uniform linear motion. At a it has a constant speed as it travels along a
distance. Then at b it stops since it doesn’t cover any distance. Finally at c it returns to its
original position keeping a constant speed.
B. Calculate the speed of the object at each part of the journey.
Speed=Gradient
Speed for A
y 2− y1
S=
x 2−x 1
5 k m−10 k m
S=
10.5 h−11h
−5 k m
S=
−0.5 h
S=10 km/h
Speed for B
y 2− y1
S=
x 2−x 1
0 k m−0 k m
S=
11.5 h−10 h
0k m
S=
0.5 h
S=0 k m/h
Speed for C
y 2− y1
S=
x 2−x 1
0 k m−15 k m
S=
14.5 h−13.5 h
−15 k m
S=
−1 h
S=−15 k m/h
4. Observe the velocity time graph below to answer the following questions
A. Describe the motion of the object.
The object follows a uniform linear motion. It first accelerates at a uniform rate and then stops
accelerating having a constant speed. Then it decelerates at a uniform rate and then goes to a
constant speed. Finally, the object accelerates again at a uniform rate before stopping
acceleration and going at a constant speed again.