Graphing Motion-Explain
How can we visually represent motion on a graph? What does it mean?
Graphing Motion- Position vs. Time Graphs
Constant Position
Constant Velocity
How do we graph this? We use a simple table to show its motion then we graph it. On the left of the chart is time, on the right is position (displacement). Notice it is a straight line.
*A straight line on a position versus time graph means that is traveling at a constant velocity.
*A straight line on a position versus time graph means that is traveling at a constant velocity.
Slow or Fast?
* The slope (gradient) of the line on a position vs. time graph determines the velocity!
The steeper the slope(gradient) the greater the velocity. The shallower the slope(gradient) the slower the velocity. If the slope is zero, then the velocity is zero (not moving).
If the slope is positive, then the object is moving in the positive direction (usually forward, right, or up). If the slope is negative, then the object is moving in the negative direction (usually backward, left, or down).
The graphs below go in order from slowest to fastest. 1) Stopped (v=0m/s) 2) Slow (v=1m/s) 3) Fast (v=5 m/s)
The steeper the slope(gradient) the greater the velocity. The shallower the slope(gradient) the slower the velocity. If the slope is zero, then the velocity is zero (not moving).
If the slope is positive, then the object is moving in the positive direction (usually forward, right, or up). If the slope is negative, then the object is moving in the negative direction (usually backward, left, or down).
The graphs below go in order from slowest to fastest. 1) Stopped (v=0m/s) 2) Slow (v=1m/s) 3) Fast (v=5 m/s)
Constant Acceleration
We can graph this situation the same as the constant velocity. The chart is on the left and the graph is on the right.
Speeding Up or Slowing Down
The direction of the bend determines if it is speeding up (increasing velocity) or slowing down (decreasing velocity)
Review
Overall,
1) A flat line is stationary or stopped
2) A straight line is constant velocity
3) A curved or bent line is acceleration
1) A flat line is stationary or stopped
2) A straight line is constant velocity
3) A curved or bent line is acceleration
Widget for Graphs of Constant Velocity
This is a little application that can show you that the greater velocity gives a steeper slope. Also that