A.

1 Kinematics - Motion graphs

Introduction to Kinematics
Kinematics is the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of points,
bodies (objects), and systems of bodies without considering the forces that cause them to
move. In essence, kinematics is the study of motion itself - how objects move through
space and time. This fundamental area of physics provides the foundation for
understanding everything from the motion of planets to the movement of vehicles and the
mechanics of human motion.
The study of kinematics connects directly to our global context of "orientation in space
and time." When we analyze motion graphs, we're essentially creating a mathematical
representation of how objects orient themselves in space as time progresses.
Understanding these relationships helps engineers design safer vehicles, scientists predict
planetary motion, and athletes optimize their performance. The ability to interpret motion
through graphs allows us to visualize and quantify movement patterns that would
otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
Global context: Orientation in space and time
Statement of Inquiry: To know where we are and where we are moving to we need to
describe relationship between space and time.
Criterion A: Knowing and understanding
You should be able to
Analyse motion graphs (displacement - time and velocity - time) to describe the
the motion of the object
Find the velocity of an object moving at a constant velocity calculating the
slope in a displacement - time graph
Find the acceleration of an object moving at a constant velocity calculating the
slope in a velocity - time graph
Analyse the motion distinguishing between positive and negative
displacement,velocity and acceleration
Analyse the motion distinguishing between speeding up and slowing down

Understanding Motion Graphs

Motion graphs are powerful tools that allow us to visualize and analyze how objects move
through space over time. There are three primary types of motion graphs you'll encounter:
displacement-time graphs, velocity-time graphs, and acceleration-time graphs. Each graph
provides unique insights into an object's motion characteristics.
Displacement-Time Graphs
A displacement-time graph plots the position of an object relative to its starting point
against time. The key features to understand are:
Slope represents velocity: The slope (gradient) of a displacement-time graph at any
point gives you the instantaneous velocity of the object at that moment in time.
A straight line indicates constant velocity
A curved line indicates changing velocity (acceleration or deceleration)
A horizontal line indicates the object is stationary
Interpreting different scenarios:
Positive slope: Object moving away from the reference point in the positive
direction
Negative slope: Object moving back toward the reference point or in the
negative direction
Zero slope: Object is momentarily at rest
Velocity-Time Graphs
A velocity-time graph plots the velocity of an object against time. This graph is particularly
valuable because:
Slope represents acceleration: The slope of a velocity-time graph gives you the
acceleration of the object.
Straight line: constant acceleration
Horizontal line: constant velocity (zero acceleration)
Curved line: changing acceleration
Area represents displacement: The area between the velocity-time curve and the time
axis gives you the displacement of the object during that time interval.
Area above the time axis: positive displacement
Area below the time axis: negative displacement
Total displacement = sum of all areas (taking sign into account)
WORKSHEET

Calculating Velocity and Acceleration from Graphs

Finding Velocity from Displacement-Time Graphs
To calculate velocity from a displacement-time graph, use the slope formula:
Velocity = Rise/Run = Δs/Δt
Where Δs is the change in displacement and Δt is the change in time.
Worked Example 1: A car's motion is represented by a straight line on a displacement-
time graph. Between t = 2s and t = 6s, the displacement changes from 10m to 30m.
Solution: v = (30m - 10m)/(6s - 2s) = 20m/4s = 5 m/s
For curved graphs: To find instantaneous velocity, draw a tangent to the curve at the
point of interest and calculate the slope of that tangent.
Worked Example 2: A ball rolling down a slope has a displacement-time curve. Find the
velocity at t = 3s by drawing a tangent and calculating its slope.
Finding Acceleration from Velocity-Time Graphs
To calculate acceleration from a velocity-time graph, use:
Acceleration = Change in velocity/Change in time = Δv/Δt
Worked Example 3: A cyclist's velocity increases from 2 m/s to 8 m/s over 5 seconds.
Solution: a = (8 m/s - 2 m/s)/5s = 6 m/s ÷ 5s = 1.2 m/s²
For non-uniform acceleration: The instantaneous acceleration at any point equals the
slope of the tangent to the velocity-time curve at that point.
Practice Calculation: Given a velocity-time graph showing a car that accelerates from rest
to 20 m/s in 4 seconds, then maintains constant velocity for 6 seconds, then decelerates
to rest in 2 seconds:
1. Initial acceleration: a = (20-0)/(4-0) = 5 m/s²
2. Middle phase: a = 0 m/s² (constant velocity)
3. Final deceleration: a = (0-20)/(12-10) = -10 m/s²
The negative sign indicates deceleration (slowing down in the positive direction).
The questions on this worksheet will be very similar to the ones you will need to answer in
your TEST. This is a good starting point for your revision. Use the resources below in
case you need extra clarification. We suggest not to use Generative AI tools to answer
the questions as the model might not be able to properly answer the question without an
appropriate prompt and eventually point you in the wrong direction: ask a human to
discuss and support you.
Analyzing Motion Characteristics
Understanding Positive and Negative Values
One of the most important concepts in kinematics is understanding what positive and
negative values mean for displacement, velocity, and acceleration:
Displacement (Position)
Positive: Object is on the positive side of the reference point
Negative: Object is on the negative side of the reference point
Zero: Object is at the reference point
Velocity
Positive: Object is moving in the positive direction
Negative: Object is moving in the negative direction
Zero: Object is momentarily at rest
Acceleration
Positive: Acceleration is in the positive direction
Negative: Acceleration is in the negative direction
Zero: No change in velocity (constant velocity or at rest)
Determining When an Object is Speeding Up or Slowing Down
This is a crucial concept that many students find challenging. The key is to consider both
velocity and acceleration together:
An object is speeding up when:
Velocity and acceleration have the same sign (both positive or both negative)
The magnitude of velocity is increasing
An object is slowing down when:
Velocity and acceleration have opposite signs
The magnitude of velocity is decreasing
Worked Examples:
Example 1: A car has velocity = +15 m/s and acceleration = +2 m/s²
Both are positive → speeding up
The car is moving forward and increasing its forward speed
Example 2: A ball has velocity = -8 m/s and acceleration = -3 m/s²
 Both are negative → speeding up
The ball is moving downward (negative direction) and increasing its downward
speed
Example 3: A bicycle has velocity = +5 m/s and acceleration = -2 m/s²
Opposite signs → slowing down
The bicycle is moving forward but decreasing its forward speed
Common Misconceptions to Avoid
Misconception 1: "Negative acceleration always means slowing down"
Reality: Negative acceleration can mean speeding up if velocity is also negative
Misconception 2: "Zero velocity means the object is permanently at rest"
Reality: An object can have zero velocity at an instant while still accelerating
(like at the top of a vertical throw)
Misconception 3: "The slope of a displacement-time graph gives acceleration"
Reality: The slope of displacement-time gives velocity; the slope of velocity-
time gives acceleration
Practice Scenarios
Scenario 1: A ball is thrown upward. At the highest point:
Displacement: maximum positive value
Velocity: zero (momentarily)
Acceleration: -9.8 m/s² (due to gravity)
Scenario 2: A car moving forward applies brakes:
Initial: positive velocity, negative acceleration
Result: slowing down
Scenario 3: A rock dropped from a cliff:
Velocity: increasingly negative (downward)
Acceleration: -9.8 m/s² (constant)
Result: speeding up in the negative direction

Test Preparation Summary

Key Formulas to Remember
1. Velocity from displacement-time graph: v = Δs/Δt
2. Acceleration from velocity-time graph: a = Δv/Δt
3. Displacement from velocity-time graph: Area under the curve
Common Question Types and How to Approach Them
Type 1: Calculate velocity or acceleration from graphs
Identify the graph type (displacement-time or velocity-time)
Select two appropriate points
Apply the slope formula
Include units in your answer
Type 2: Interpret motion characteristics
Check the signs of both velocity and acceleration
Apply the speeding up/slowing down rules
Consider the physical situation described
Type 3: Find displacement from velocity-time graphs
Calculate the area between the curve and time axis
Remember: area above = positive displacement, area below = negative
displacement
Total displacement = algebraic sum of all areas
Test-Taking Strategies
1. Always check your units - velocity in m/s, acceleration in m/s²
2. Draw tangents carefully when finding instantaneous values from curved
graphs
3. Label your axes when sketching graphs
4. Think physically - does your answer make sense in the real world?
Quick Reference Checklist
Before answering any motion graph question, ask yourself:
What type of graph am I working with?
What does the slope represent in this graph?
What do positive and negative values mean in this context?
Is the object speeding up or slowing down?
What are the units of my final answer?
Practice Tips
Work through each problem step-by-step
Always include units in calculations
Check if your final answer is reasonable
Practice identifying motion characteristics quickly
Review common graph shapes and what they represent
Remember: The goal is not just to calculate correct answers, but to understand the
physical meaning behind the motion you're analyzing.