2.

2 MOTION GRAPHS
Part 1: Displacement vs. Time Graph Part 2: Velocity vs. Time Graph

By: SYAZA IZZATY ISMAIL

Part 1: Displacement-Time Graphs

Displacement-Time Graph
We can analyse the velocity of an object by plotting a graph of displacement against time. The gradient of the displacement-time graph represent the velocity of the object.

Plotting a Displacement-Time Graph

Axis

Distance (position) on yaxis (vertical) Time on x-axis (horizontal) Steeper slope = faster No slope (horizontal line) = staying still

Slope is the velocity

Where and When ?

We can use a position time graph to tell us where an object is at any moment in time. Where was the car at 4 s? 30 m How long did it take the car to travel 20 m? 3.2 s

Various displacement-time graphs

1) Object at rest

There is no change in the displacement over time. The straight line graph is parallel to the time axis. Velocity=gradient of graph=0ms-1

Various displacement-time graphs

2) Object moving with constant speed

The rate of change of displacement is constant. The straight line graph has a constant gradient. Velocity=gradient of graph. Acceleration = 0

Various displacement-time graphs

3) Object moving with acceleration

The rate of change of displacement is increasing. The gradient of the curve is increasing showing that the velocity is increasing. The object experiences acceleration. The instantaneous velocity= gradient at that instant.

Position vs. Time Graphs The meaning of Shape

Constant Velocity Positive Velocity Changing Velocity Positive Velocity

Constant Velocity Slow, Rightward (+)

Constant Velocity Fast, Rightward (+)

Constant Velocity Slow, Leftward (+)

Constant Velocity Fast, Leftward (+)

Negative (-) Velocity Slow to Fast

Leftward (-) Velocity Fast to Slow

Interpret this graph

Calculate the velocity

Part 2: Velocity-Time Graphs

Velocity-Time Graph
The acceleration or deceleration of an object is represented by the gradient of the velocity-time graph. The displacement travelled by the object is represented by the area under the velocity-time graph. (displacement travelled=area under graph)

Example:

v 12 m s Slope 6 m s 2 t 2s

Describing Motion with VelocityTime Graphs - Shape

The velocity vs. time graphs for the two types of motion:
Positive Velocity Zero Acceleration

Positive Velocity Positive Acceleration

More about slope

Velocity

Velocity changes when an object

Speeds Up Slows Down Change direction

Check Your Understanding

The velocity-time graph for a two-stage rocket is shown below. Use the graph and your understanding of slope calculations to determine the acceleration of the rocket during the listed time intervals. a. t = 0 - 1 second b. t = 1 - 4 second c. t = 4 - 12 second

Determining the Area on a v-t Graph

For velocity vs. time graphs, the area bounded by the line and the axes represents the distance travelled.

THE END