1.

2 - Graphing Motion

Learning Goal
REVIEW - Create and interpret d vs. t, v vs. t, and a vs. t graphs.

Success Criteria
Are you familiar with a Position-Time Graph (DT Graph)?
What does the Slope of a DT Graph represent?
Are you familiar with a Velocity-Time Graph (VT Graph)?
What does the Slope of a VT Graph represent?
What does the Area of a VT Graph represent?
Are you familiar with an Acceleration-Time Graph (AT Graph)?
Can you create a VT graph given a DT graph?
Can you create a DT and AT graph given a VT graph?

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Position-Time Graphs

1. Is this object speeding up, slowing down, or moving at a constant velocity?

How do you know?

2. Calculate the average velocity of this object.

Conclusion: The slope of a graph is equal to the velocity.

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Position-Time Graphs (Cont)

Non-linear d-t Graphs
How do we find the velocity of a non-linear d-t graph?

Average Velocity:

50
40
30
20 Instantaneous Velocity: Find the slope of the
10 tangent at that point.

Or the derivative:

a) Find the average velocity of the above graph.

b) Find the instantaneous velocity at 4 seconds.

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Velocity-Time Graphs
Consider the following posi!on-!me graph: We can calculate the velocity for various
periods of !me.
d (m [E])

From this data we can plot a velocity-!me graph:

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Velocity-Time Graphs (Cont)

The slope of a v-t graph = accelera!on

25
20
(m/s [N])

15
a) Find the acceleration of this v-t graph.
10
5
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 (s)
The area under a v-t graph = displacement
b) Find the displacement of this v-t graph.

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Accelera'on-Time Graphs
Consider the following velocity-!me graph: We can calculate the velocity for
various periods of !me.

TIME ACCELERATION

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Accelera'on-Time Graphs (Cont)

Recall: The area under a v-t graph is displacement

Therefore: The area under an a-t graph is ...

change in velocity

If the object above has a velocity of 4 m/s at t = 0 s, what is its velocity at t = 8 s?

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

SUMMARY: d-t, v-t and a-t Graphs

From the following v-t graph, create a table of values for both a and d with
respect to t. Using this data, and your knowledge of 1D mo!on graphs,
draw corresponding d-t and a-t graphs.

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Practice
Pg. 13 #1-2 Pg. 15 #1-3 Pg. 16 #8-9

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Derivatives
Non-linear d-t Graphs
How do we find the velocity of a non-linear d-t graph?

Instantaneous Velocity: Find the slope of the

50
tangent at that point.
40
30
20 Or the derivative:
10

A derivative is a mathematical method used to find the slope of a function. It

is especially useful for curved functions (like quadratics).
In order to take the derivative of a graph, you must know the equation of the
curve.
Method for solving the derivative:
- take the exponent of the desired variable and multiply it to the
coefficient of that variable.
- then, subtract 1 from the original exponent.
- Note: the derivative of a constant is zero.

Ex: a) What is the derivative of y = 3x2 + 4

b) What is the slope of the function at x = 2?

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Derivatives
Non-linear d-t Graphs
How do we find the velocity of a non-linear d-t graph?

Instantaneous Velocity: Find the slope of the

50
tangent at that point.
40
30
20 Or the derivative:
10

The above function has an equation of d = t2, what is the instantaneous

velocity at 4 seconds?

Recall the formula: This is a function of d vs. t, to find the

instantaneous velocity of this function we would take the derivative ...

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1.2 - Graphing Motion

Use the vt graph below to create dt and at graphs.

12