Diagrams and Motion Graphs
The slope is equal to the acceleration. Because we only consider constant acceleration, v/t graphs will always be straight lines. Velocity vs. time graphs
Positive velocity indicates the object is moving away from the reference point The x axis means v=0 Green is slower, getting closer to zero. Purple is speeding up, moving farther from the x axis.
Negative velocity indicates the object is moving toward the reference point. Purple line – the negative Velocity “is increasing” at a faster rate. Green line – the negative velocity “is decreasing” relative to the reference point. Velocity vs. time graphs
Velocity vs. time graphs (Acceleration) When the slope is zero: horizontal line velocity is constant acceleration is zero
Velocity vs. time graphs When the slope of the graph is positive: the acceleration is positive
Velocity vs. time graphs When the slope of the graph is negative: the acceleration is negative
We cannot determine where an object’s position from a v/t graph, only its change in position. Velocity vs. time graphs