1.2 Position-time Graphs And Uniform Motion Flashcards
What does a constant slope in a position-time graph indicate about motion?
Constant slope indicates uniform motion
It shows that the object is moving at a constant velocity.
How is average speed calculated?
Average speed = total distance / total time
Average speed does not take direction into account.
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Speed has magnitude only; velocity has both magnitude and direction
Velocity is a vector quantity.
Define velocity.
Velocity is the rate of change in position
It is calculated as displacement divided by time.
What is the formula for slope in a position-time graph?
Slope = change in position / change in time
This is equivalent to (d2–> - d1–>) / (t2 - t1).
What does a positive slope in a position-time graph indicate?
A positive slope indicates motion in the positive direction
In this context, the positive direction is toward the hole, to the right.
Calculate the average velocity of a golf ball that moves from 0.0 m to 5.0 m in 5.0 s.
Average velocity = +1.0 m/s
This is calculated as (5.0 m - 0.0 m) / (5.0 s - 0.0 s).
Fill in the blank: Displacement is a _______ quantity.
vector
Displacement has both magnitude and direction.
True or False: The slope of a position-time graph gives you the speed of the object.
False
The slope gives you the velocity, which includes direction.
What units are typically used for measuring speed or velocity?
m/s (metres per second)
These units convey the distance traveled per unit of time.
What does the slope of a position-time graph represent?
Rate of change in position, or velocity.
What is uniform motion?
Motion at constant velocity (constant magnitude and direction).
What shape does a position-time graph for an object at rest take?
A horizontal line.
Is an object at rest undergoing uniform motion?
Yes, its change in position remains constant over equal time intervals.
Describe the position of dots on a ticker tape at rest.
Dots are spaced equally apart, indicating no change in position.
What is the slope of the graph for an object at rest?
The slope is zero.
What are three possibilities for the shape of a position-time graph for an object traveling at a constant velocity?
- Straight line with positive slope
- Straight line with negative slope
- Horizontal line (if at rest)
What is the definition of uniform motion?
Constant velocity (motion or rest).
Define ‘at rest’ in the context of motion.
Not moving; stationary.
Fill in the blank: A position-time graph for a stationary object is a _______.
horizontal line.
What does the slope of a position-time graph represent?
Velocity
The slope indicates how position changes over time.
What type of velocity is represented on a position-time graph?
Average velocity for the time interval
Average velocity is calculated over a specified time period.
How does your choice of reference frame affect motion analysis?
It affects the direction (sign) of your answer
Different reference frames can lead to different interpretations of motion.
What does a straight line on a position-time graph indicate?
Uniform motion
Uniform motion means constant velocity.
Can you represent the motions of two objects on one position-time graph?
Yes, as long as the origin is the same for both objects
This allows for direct comparison of their motions.
What does the slope of a position-time graph represent?
Velocity
The slope indicates how position changes over time.
What type of velocity is represented on a position-time graph?
Average velocity for the time interval
Average velocity is calculated over a specified time period.
How does your choice of reference frame affect motion analysis?
It affects the direction (sign) of your answer
Different reference frames can lead to different interpretations of motion.
What does a straight line on a position-time graph indicate?
Uniform motion
Uniform motion means constant velocity.
Can you represent the motions of two objects on one position-time graph?
Yes, as long as the origin is the same for both objects
This allows for direct comparison of their motions.
