Motion Graphs Object at Rest The graph shows

Motion Graphs

Object at Rest The graph shows an object which is not moving (at rest). As you read the graph from left to right, the distance stays the same, as time goes by, because it is not moving.

Constant Speed As you read the graph from left to right the object’s distance increases as time passes. The object is moving and so it has speed. The straight line shows it is a constant (not changing).

Constant Speed • As you read the graph from left to right, the object’s distance decreases as time passes. The object is moving and so it has speed. • The straight line shows it is a constant (not changing). • The object moves backwards

Acceleration The curve in the graph shows that the distance increases at a faster rate (speed), as time passes. This is acceleration.

Deceleration The curve in the graph shows that the distance travelled increases at a slower rate (speed), as time passes. This is deceleration or negative acceleration.

Motion Graph Story In the first part of the graph the object is moving with constant speed. In the second part of the graph the object is at rest (not moving). In the third part, the object is again moving with constant speed, back to where it started.

Speed Graph Fast, constant speed Steady, constant speed Getting faster, speeding up At rest, stationary Returning to start

Speed (m/s) Velocity vs. Time Graph SAME AS Speed vs. Time Graph SAME

At Rest As you read the graph from left to right the velocity does not change as time passes. It shows constant velocity.

Positive Acceleration As you read the graph from left to right, the object’s velocity is increasing as time passes – it is POSITIVE acceleration. The straight line shows that it is constant acceleration.

Negative Acceleration As you read the graph from left to right, the object’s velocity is decreasing as time passes – it is NEGATIVE acceleration. The straight line shows that it is a constant deceleration.

Acceleration Graph GRADUAL ACCELERATION STEADY, CONSTANT SPEED STEADY, CONSTANT ACCELERATION STEADY, CONSTANT DECELERATION

Now make a tree map: Graphing Velocity and Acceleration Distance vs. Time Graph Speed vs. Time Graph __________________ __________________ __________________

Distance vs. Time Graph is Graphing Speed • Flat, horizontal line means: STOPPED; no Motion • Up and to the right means: Moving forward at a constant speed • Down and to the right means: Distance decreases at a constant rate • Curved line means: Increasing speed: Going faster

Velocity (Speed) vs. Time Graph is Graphing Acceleration • Flat, horizontal line means: CONSTANT speed; going the same speed during that time, NO acceleration • Up and to the right means: Constant positive acceleration • Down and to the right means: Constant negative Acceleration [deceleration] • Curved line means: Changing (not constant) acceleration

BOTH graphs: • *The steeper the slope, the faster the speed! Faster because It is closer to being vertical! Slower because It is closer to being horizontal!