Graphing Motion Flashcards
What do position-time graphs indicate?
The position (x) of an object in one dimension over time (t)
Also known as x-t graphs
What are displacement-time graphs similar to?
Position-time graphs
Displacement-time graphs (s-t) are not necessarily limited to one dimension
What does a positive gradient on a position-time graph indicate?
The object is moving in the positive direction
Indicates motion away from the starting point
What does a negative gradient on a position-time graph indicate?
Motion in the negative direction
Indicates motion towards the starting point
What does a gradient of zero on a position-time graph mean?
The object is stationary
No change in position over time
What characterizes a position-time graph for non-uniform motion?
It will be curved or parabolic
Indicates acceleration of the object
How is instantaneous velocity represented on a curved position-time graph?
Equal to the gradient of the tangent to the curve at the point of interest
Instantaneous velocity varies at different points
How is average velocity represented between two points on a position-time graph?
Equal to the gradient of a chord (straight line) between the two points of interest
Represents overall change in position over time
What does an increasing gradient on a position-time graph indicate?
The object is accelerating
Indicates increasing speed in the positive direction
What does a decreasing gradient on a position-time graph indicate?
The object is decelerating
Indicates decreasing speed or slowing down
What do velocity-time graphs indicate?
The velocity (v) of an object in one dimension over time (t)
Also known as v-t graphs
What does a positive gradient on a velocity-time graph indicate?
The object is accelerating in the positive direction
Indicates increasing velocity
What does a negative gradient on a velocity-time graph indicate?
Acceleration in the negative direction
Indicates decreasing velocity
What does a gradient of zero on a velocity-time graph mean?
The object is moving at a constant velocity
No change in velocity over time
How can the area under a velocity-time graph be used?
To determine an object’s displacement
Represents the total change in position
What do areas above the time axis on a velocity-time graph represent?
Positive displacement
Indicates movement in the positive direction
What do areas below the time axis on a velocity-time graph represent?
Negative displacement
Indicates movement in the negative direction
What do acceleration-time graphs indicate?
The acceleration (a) of an object in one dimension over time (t)
Also known as a-t graphs
How can the area under an acceleration-time graph be used?
To determine an object’s change in velocity
Represents total change in speed
What do areas above the time axis on an acceleration-time graph represent?
Positive change in velocity
Indicates increase in speed
What do areas below the time axis on an acceleration-time graph represent?
Negative change in velocity
Indicates decrease in speed
