Motion graphs

Science

Definition

Motion graphs visually represent an object's movement over time. Position-time graphs show location versus time (slope = velocity), velocity-time graphs show speed versus time (slope = acceleration, area under curve = displacement), and acceleration-time graphs show how acceleration changes.

Examples

  • A horizontal line on a position-time graph indicating an object at rest
  • A straight diagonal line on a velocity-time graph showing constant acceleration
  • Calculating displacement by finding the area under a velocity-time curve
Key Fact

Slope of position-time = velocity; slope of velocity-time = acceleration; area under v-t curve = displacement.

Related Terms

Displacement and velocity Acceleration Kinematic equations Speed and velocity

Study This Concept

Practice motion graphs with free review games in these units:

Physics Unit 1: Motion and Kinematics