Displacement vs Time Graph 1
Displacement vs Time Graph 2
The use of graphs are helpful to analyze the motion of an object. Graphical analysis of motion shows the relationships among displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The three common graphs used in physics are briefly described below followed by quizzes for each type.
Displacement vs Time Graphs
A Displacement vs Time graph provides a means of determining an object's displacement and velocity at any given time. Any point on the graph gives the location of an object at a particular instant in time. Keep in mind that displacement is a vector quantity so negative displacements represent the object moving in a negative direction.
The velocity at any point is equal to the slope of the line at that point. If a graph consists of straight line segments, the slope is found by using vave = Δd/Δt and the slope gives the instantaneous velocity. If a graph consists of curved segments, the slope of the tangent line at a particular point represents the instantaneous velocity.
Also, remember that the area under a Displacement vs Time graph has no physical meaning.
Velocity vs Time Graphs
A Velocity vs Time graph provides a means of determining an object's velocity at any given time and determining both the displacement and acceleration during a time interval. Any point on the graph gives the velocity of an object at a particular instant in time. Keep in mind that velocity is a vector quantity so negative velocities represent the object moving in a negative direction.
The acceleration at any point is equal to the slope of the line at that point. If a graph consists of straight line segments, the slope is found by using aave = Δv/Δt and the slope gives the instantaneous acceleration. If a graph consists of curved segments, the slope of the tangent line at a particular point represents the instantaneous acceleration.
Also, remember that the area under a Velocity vs Time graph represents the displacement of the object in that time interval.
Acceleration vs Time Graphs
An Acceleration vs Time provides a means of determining an object's change in velocity. The area under an Acceleration vs Time graph represents the change in the velocity of an object during that time interval. When the area found is positive, the change in velocity is positive and when the area is negative, the change in velocity is negative. It is important to recognize that the area represents the change in velocity and not the average or final velocity of the object.
Also, remember that the slope of an Acceleration vs Time graph has no physical meaning.
<Click On Graph Type In Red To Clear Graph Selection Before Selecting Another Graph Type>
