Graphing MotionGraphing Motion

A. MotionA. Motion

1.1. Can be shown on a line graph Can be shown on a line graph

a.a. Plot distance (or position) against Plot distance (or position) against time. time.

b.b. Time: Horizontal, Time: Horizontal, xx-axis-axis

c.c. Distance:Distance: Vertical, Vertical, yy-axis-axis

2.2. A point on the graph represents the A point on the graph represents the location of an object at a particular location of an object at a particular time.time.

B.B. Slope of a line Slope of a line

1.1. The steepness, or slant, of a line on a The steepness, or slant, of a line on a graph.graph.

2.2. Tells how fast one variable changes Tells how fast one variable changes in in relation to the other variable. (relation to the other variable. (The The Rate of Change)Rate of Change)

3.3. Since speed is the rate of change of Since speed is the rate of change of distance in relation to time, the slope distance in relation to time, the slope of a distance-time graph represents of a distance-time graph represents speed.speed.

Slope of a line, continuedSlope of a line, continued

4.4. The faster the motion, the The faster the motion, the steeper steeper the slope.the slope.

5.5. A constant slope (straight slope) A constant slope (straight slope) represents motion at a constant represents motion at a constant speed.speed.

C.C. Calculating SlopeCalculating Slope

1.1. The slope of a line is its rise The slope of a line is its rise divided divided by its run.by its run.

Slope = Slope = RiseRise

RunRun

a.a. rise = the vertical difference rise = the vertical difference between 2 points between 2 points

b.b. run = the horizontal difference run = the horizontal difference between 2 points between 2 points

D.D. Different SlopesDifferent Slopes

1.1. Not all moving objects travel at a Not all moving objects travel at a constant speed during a trip.constant speed during a trip.

2.2. A horizontal line, or one with A horizontal line, or one with nono slope, slope, shows an object that is not moving at all.shows an object that is not moving at all.

The EndThe End