Interpreting Motion Graphs

{Forces and Motion

Distance vs Time Graphs

• The motion of an object is defined by its change of position over a period of time. Graphs of distance vs. time (or motion graphs) are useful in describing and interpreting motion that is linear.– A straight line indicates constant speed– A horizontal line indicates no motion– An upward sloping line indicates motion away from the

initial point– The steeper the slope the faster or slower the motion– Curved indicates a change in speed

Acceleration

• Acceleration is the time rate change of velocity. Like velocity, it is a vector quantity that includes both an amount and a direction.

Think about it

• When you measured the speed of a cart rolling down the track, do you think the cars where going the same speed the whole time?