Physics 2 - Motion In One-Dimension (6 of 22) Graphing Motion in Summary

Position vs. Time Graph00:00:24

The position-time graph shows a parabolic curve during acceleration, a straight line with constant positive slope during constant velocity, and another parabolic curve as it decelerates. The slope of this graph represents velocity; a changing slope indicates changing velocity (acceleration/deceleration), while a constant slope indicates constant velocity.

Velocity vs. Time Graph00:01:36

The velocity-time graph displays a positive slope during positive acceleration, a zero slope during constant velocity, and a negative slope during negative acceleration. The slope of this graph represents acceleration. The area under the velocity-time curve represents the distance traveled; this is used to calculate the total distance covered during each phase of the train's journey.

Acceleration vs. Time Graph00:02:49

The acceleration-time graph shows constant acceleration during each phase (positive, zero, and negative), indicated by zero slopes on the graph. The area under the acceleration-time curve represents the change in velocity. Positive area signifies increasing velocity, zero area means velocity is constant, and negative area signifies decreasing velocity.