You can use a line graph that plots an object's distance versus its time to describe the object's motion.
Distance-Time Graphing
Distance-time graphs are used to show a change in an object’s location over time.
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Position
- Position is the location of an object.
- An object changes position if it moves relative to a reference point (starting point).
- The change in position is determined by the distance and direction of an object’s change in position from the starting point (displacement).
- Direction is the line, or path along which something is moving, pointing, or aiming.
- Direction is measured using a reference point using terms such as up, down, left, right, forward, backward, toward, away from, north, south, east, or west.
The Slope of the line Equals the Speed of the object
The slope (slant or angle) of the line can tell the speed of the object.
- When the slope of the line is steep, the speed is faster than if the slope were flatter.
- When the slope of the line is flatter, the speed is slower.
No Change in Slope Equals No Change in Speed
These two graphs are NOT increasing speed!
IMPORTANT! The slope of each line is constant therefore, the speeds are constant.
IMPORTANT! The slope of each line is constant therefore, the speeds are constant.
A Horizontal Slope Equals Zero constant Speed
When the slope of the line is horizontal to the x-axis, the speed is zero (the object is not moving).
A Change in the Slope Equals a Change in Speed
Graphing Motion Overview
Important Position-Time Graph Examples
Calculating Average SpeedYou can determine an object's average speed using distance-time graphs.
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Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- You can use a line graph that plots an object's distance versus its time to describe an object's motion.
- The steepness of a line is called the slope. Slope tells you how fast an object is moving.
- A constant slope equals a constant speed. A change in slope equals a change in speed.