Speed, Acceleration, and Motion Graphs

Motion Graphs

Distance/Time Graphs vs Speed/Time Graphs

There is a difference between a Distance Time Graph and a Speed Time graph

• We will review the difference between both so you can get a better understanding of each.

DISTANCE TIME GRAPHS

Constant Speed = straight diagonal line

No Motion (stopped) = flat line across

Acceleration = Curve

D/T Graph: Constant Speed

• A straight diagonal line means the object is moving at a constant speed (speed stays the same)

• The steepness of the slope tells you how fast the object is moving

• Line A is more steep than B, so A is moving faster than B.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is going the fastest?

• A

• B

• C

• All of the the above

D/T Graph: Back to Start

• When a diagonal line goes down on a distance/time graph, this means the object is going back to the starting point at a CONSTANT speed.

• In this graph, the object left home, stopped, and then went back home.

Multiple Choice

Which point on the graph shows the object going back toward the start?

• A

• B

• D

• D

D/T graph: Acceleration

• Acceleration = curve

• Increasing speed = faster (curving up)

• Decreasing speed = slower (curving to flat line)

Multiple Choice

What is happening in this Distance/Time graph?

• acceleration: increasing speed

• no motion

• constant speed

• decreasing speed

D/T Graph: NO MOTION

A flat line shows no motion, the object is stopped or not moving

Multiple Choice

Which runner stopped during the race?

• A

• B

• C

• None

Speed/Time Graph

Constant Speed = flat line

Diagonal Up= faster

Diagonal Down = slower

Flat Line at the bottom = no motion (Speed = 0mph)

S/T Graph: Constant Speed

• Constant Speed on a SPEED/TIME GRAPH is a flat line

• This makes sense, because Speed is on the Y axis

• The area in red shows that the object stays moving 3 mi/h

Multiple Choice

Between which two points did the object stay at a constant speed?

• A to B

• B to C

• Both

• None

S/T Graph: Acceleration

• On a speed time graph, acceleration is shown with a diagonal line.

• A line up means going faster

• A line down means going slower

Multiple Choice

During which two points did the object accelerate(increase in speed)?

• A - B

• B - C

• C - D

• D - E

S/T Graph: No Motion

• Sorry it's blurry!

• On a SPEED/TIME graph, NO motion is a flat line at the very bottom

• At what speed do you travel when you're not moving? 0mph!

Multiple Choice

During which two points was the object at rest (not moving)?

• A - B

• B - C

• C - D

• D - E