Interpreting Motion Graphs
Learning Objective
I can interpret motion graphs to describe an object's velocity and acceleration.
Key Concepts
On a position versus time graph, a straight line going up represents a positive constant velocity, while a horizontal line means the object has stopped moving.
To find instantaneous velocity on a position versus time graph, you must find the slope of a tangent line at a certain moment in time.
On a velocity versus time graph, a horizontal line with a negative y value indicates movement in the negative direction, and a line that slopes up and to the right indicates that an object is speeding up.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 12 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What does the slope of a position vs. time graph represent?
2. Describe what a horizontal line on a velocity vs. time graph indicates about the object's motion.
3. What is the difference between average velocity and instantaneous velocity, and how are they determined from a position vs. time graph?
...and 9 more questions
Educational Video
How Do You Graph Motion? | Physics in Motion
GPB Education