Positive Velocity versus Negative Velocity
The answers to these questions hinge on one's ability to read a graph. Since the graph is a velocity-time graph, the velocity would be positive whenever the line lies in…
Constant Velocity versus Changing Velocity
Consider a car moving with a constant, rightward (+) velocity - say of +10 m/s. As learned in an earlier lesson, a car moving with a constant velocity is a car with zero…
Motion with Velocity vs. Time Graphs
The Meaning of Shape for a v-t Graph Our study of 1-dimensional kinematics has been concerned with the multiple means by which the motion of objects can be represented. Such…
Using the Slope Equation
The slope equation says that the slope of a line is found by determining the amount of rise of the line between any two points divided by the amount of…
Determining the Slope on a p-t Graph
It was learned earlier in Lesson 3 that the slope of the line on a position versus time graph is equal to the velocity of the object. If the object is moving…
The Meaning of Slope for a p-t Graph
As discussed in the previous part of Lesson 3, the slope of a position vs. time graph reveals pertinent information about an object's velocity. For example, a small slope means a small…
Representing an Accelerated Motion
As a final application of this principle of slope, consider the two graphs below. Both graphs show plotted points forming a curved line. Curved lines have changing slope; they may…
The Importance of Slope
The shapes of the position versus time graphs for these two basic types of motion - constant velocity motion and accelerated motion (i.e., changing velocity) - reveal an important principle.…
Motion with Position vs. Time Graphs
The Meaning of Shape for a p-t Graph Our study of 1-dimensional kinematics has been concerned with the multiple means by which the motion of objects can be represented. Such…
Vector Diagrams
Vector diagrams are diagrams that depict the direction and relative magnitude of a vector quantity by a vector arrow. Vector diagrams can be used to describe the velocity of a moving…
