Motion Graphs Distance vs. Time Graphs
Motion Graphs Show the motion of an object in a graph. Graphs can help make motion easier to picture and understand
Distance-Time Graphs Time is always on the X-axis (bottom of the graph) Distance is always on the Y-axis (side of the graph)
Objects Not Moving/At Rest When an object is NOT moving, a horizontal line is shown on a distance-time graph Time is increasing to the right but the distance does not change.
Objects moving at a Constant Speed Time is increasing to the right and distance is increasing constantly with time. Constant speed is shown by straight lines on a graph.
Two objects moving at a constant speed The steeper line shows an object moving at a greater speed. It is covering a greater distance in a shorter period of time. Both lines are straight so both speeds are constant.
An Object Accelerating A curved line shows an object that is accelerating In this case the object shows in increase in speed since the line is getting steeper.
What is the motion of the object in the graph below?
No motion Moving away fast at a constant speed Stopped (no motion) Moving away more slowly at a constant speed Stopped (no motion)
What is the motion of the object in the graph below?
Moving away at a constant speed Stopped moving (no motion) Accelerating
Distance Time Graphs Review
Practice Reading a Graph What is the motion of the object in the graph? –Constant Speed –The line is straight so the object is moving at a constant speed.
What is the Speed of the object? Speed = distance ÷ time 5 meters in 1 sec. 25 meters in 5 sec. 50 meters in 10 sec. 5 ÷ 1 = 5 m/s 25 ÷ 5 = 5 m/s 50 ÷ 10 = 5 m/s This object is travelling at a constant speed of 5 m/s (meters per second)
Interpret the graph below Which car is traveling the fastest? –Car D Which car is traveling the slowest? –Car A Which car is traveling at a speed of 30 Km/h? –Car C