Review: Position-Time Graphs

Front

What is average velocity?

Back

Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time taken. It can be calculated using the slope of a position-time graph.

Front

How do you determine the starting point of an object on a position-time graph?

Back

The starting point of an object is indicated by the y-intercept of the graph, which shows the position of the object at time t=0.

Front

What does a horizontal line on a position-time graph represent?

Back

A horizontal line indicates that the object is at rest, meaning its position does not change over time.

Front

What does a positive slope on a position-time graph indicate?

Back

A positive slope indicates that the object is moving in the positive direction (away from the origin) over time.

Front

What does a negative slope on a position-time graph indicate?

Back

A negative slope indicates that the object is moving in the negative direction (towards the origin) over time.

Front

How can you tell if an object is accelerating from a position-time graph?

Back

If the graph is curved, it indicates that the object is accelerating. A steeper curve means greater acceleration.

Front

What does it mean if a position-time graph has a steep slope?

Back

A steep slope indicates that the object is moving quickly, as it covers a large distance in a short amount of time.

Front

What does it mean if a position-time graph has a gentle slope?

Back

A gentle slope indicates that the object is moving slowly, as it covers a small distance over a longer period of time.

Front

How can you identify a change in direction on a position-time graph?

Back

A change in direction is indicated by a change in the slope of the graph; for example, a transition from a positive slope to a negative slope.

Front

What does a straight line with a positive slope indicate about an object's motion?

Back

It indicates that the object is moving at a constant speed in the positive direction.