S8P3a Motion Graphs

Front

What is acceleration?

Back

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object. It can occur when an object speeds up, slows down, or changes direction.

Front

What does a motion graph represent?

Back

A motion graph visually represents the position, velocity, or acceleration of an object over time.

Front

What does a flat line on a motion graph indicate?

Back

A flat line indicates that the object is not moving; its position remains constant over time.

Front

What does a steep slope on a motion graph indicate?

Back

A steep slope indicates a high speed; the object is moving quickly.

Front

What does a curve on a motion graph indicate?

Back

A curve indicates that the object is accelerating or decelerating; its speed is changing.

Front

What is constant speed?

Back

Constant speed means that an object covers equal distances in equal intervals of time, without changing its speed.

Front

How does changing direction affect acceleration?

Back

Changing direction, even at constant speed, results in acceleration because velocity is a vector quantity that includes direction.

Front

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Back

Speed is a scalar quantity that refers to how fast an object is moving, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes both speed and direction.

Front

What does it mean if an object is speeding up?

Back

If an object is speeding up, it is experiencing positive acceleration; its velocity is increasing over time.

Front

What does it mean if an object is slowing down?

Back

If an object is slowing down, it is experiencing negative acceleration (deceleration); its velocity is decreasing over time.