1. Velocity vs Time Graphs

2. Reading Motion vs Time Graphs Think about it
Look at the Axes Titles First!
What does the graph say about the object’s motion?
Practice

3. Velocity vs. Time Graphs
x-axis: Time
y-axis: Velocity
slope = Acceleration
Displacement = Area between line and x-axis
horizontal line: constant velocity
straight line: uniform acceleration
positive slope = positive acceleration
negative slope = negative acceleration
curved line: non-uniform acceleration

4. Velocity vs. Time Graphs
Determine the acceleration and displacement for each of the graphs.

5. Motion vs Time Graphs Summarized
y-axis is the motion of the object
What type of motion (position/velocity/acceleration) is being described?
Slope the instantaneous rate of change
Slope of position vs time is instantaneous velocity.
Slope of velocity vs time is acceleration.
Horizontal graph segments means constant
Horizontal position vs time means at rest.
Horizontal velocity vs time means constant velocity.
Horizontal acceleration vs time means constant acceleration.
Positive Slopes do not mean movement in the positive direction for all graphs.
Negative Slopes do not mean movement in the negative direction for all graphs.