Phy05P: General Physics I 1st Term, A.Y.

2018-2019

KINEMATICS
Graphical Analysis and Functions
Malcolm Jayson G. Calicsihan
OBJECTIVES
- Interpret graphical representation of motion

- Solve kinematic problems using slope-method

- Solve kinematic problems using area-method

- Solve kinematic problems using functions

 Position is not changing

No movement;
Zero velocity

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Change in position is equal
to the change in time

Constant velocity

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Change in position is higher
than the change in time

High velocity

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Change in position is lower
than the change in time

Low velocity

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Position moves downward

Moving backwards

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Position increases exponentially

Accelerating (Speeding-up)

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Position decreases exponentially

Decelerating (Slowing-down)

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Position vs Time

 Velocity is constant

Zero acceleration

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Velocity vs Time

 Change in velocity is equal to
the change in time

Constant Acceleration

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Velocity vs Time

 Velocity decreases

Decelerating

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Velocity vs Time

 Zero velocity

No movement

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS Velocity vs Time

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS: SLOPE

In Mathematics, slope refers to the change in y-axis

divided by the change in x-axis.

Slope is equal to the “rise over run”.

GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS: SLOPE

In a p-t graph, the slope describes the velocity.

In a v-t graph, the slope describes the acceleration.

What is the velocity of the
object from 0 to 3 seconds?

∆𝑦 30 − 0 30 𝒎
= = = 𝟏𝟎
∆𝑥 3−0 3 𝒔
What is the velocity of the
object from 7 to 8 seconds?

∆𝑦 90 − 90 0
= = =𝟎
∆𝑥 8−7 1
What is the velocity of the
object from 8 to 10 seconds?

∆𝑦 0 − 90 −90 𝒎
= = = −𝟒𝟓
∆𝑥 10 − 8 2 𝒔
What is the acceleration of the
object from 0 to 6 seconds?

∆𝑦 60 − 0 60 𝒎
= = = 𝟏𝟎 𝟐
∆𝑥 6−0 6 𝒔
What is the acceleration of the
object from 6 to 9 seconds?

∆𝑦 60 − 60 0
= = =𝟎
∆𝑥 9−6 3
GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS: AREA

In a v-t graph, the area under the curve is the

displacement.

In an a-t graph, the area under the curve is the

velocity.
What is the displacement of the
object from 0 to 6 seconds?

1
𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ
2
1
𝐴 = (6 × 60)
2

𝑨 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝒎
What is the displacement of the
object from 13 to 15 seconds?

1
𝐴 = 𝐿𝑊 + 𝑏ℎ
2
1
𝐴 = 1 × 10 + 2
(1 × 10)

𝑨 = 𝟏𝟓 𝒎
What is the displacement of the
object from 8 to 12 seconds?

1
𝐴 = 𝐿𝑊 + 𝑏ℎ
2
1
𝐴 = 4 × 35 + 2
(4 × 60)

𝑨 = 𝟐𝟔𝟎 𝒎
RECALL: FUNCTIONS
Given a position function, 𝑥 𝑡 , then:
𝑥 𝑡 is the instantaneous position
𝑥′ 𝑡 is the instantaneous velocity or 𝑣 𝑡
𝑥′′ 𝑡 is the instantaneous acceleration or 𝑎 𝑡
A car is stopped at an intersection. It then travels along a straight road such that its
distance from the traffic light is given by the function: 𝑥 𝑡 = 2.4𝑡 2 − 0.120𝑡 3
(meters). Determine:

a. the position of the car after 4 seconds,

b. the instantaneous velocity of the car when 𝑡 = 4 seconds,

c. the instantaneous acceleration of the car when 𝑡 = 4 seconds, and

c. the average acceleration of the car from 𝑡 = 4 to 𝑡 = 6 seconds.

EXAMPLE Functions
A motorist travels in a straight path. Its position relative to a tower is given by
the function: 𝑥 𝑡 = 1.5𝑡 2 − 0.05𝑡 3 (meters). Determine:

a. the displacement of the motorist from 𝑡 = 3 to 𝑡 = 5 seconds,

b. the average velocity of the motorist from 𝑡 = 3 to 𝑡 = 5 seconds, and

c. the instantaneous acceleration of the motorist when 𝑡 = 6 seconds.

EXAMPLE Functions
REFERENCES
AP Physics B
Ostdiek, V.J., and D.J. Bord. Inquiry Into Physics.
2013. 7th Edition. C&E Publishing, Inc. Philippines.
Young, H.D. and R.A. Freedman. University Physics.
2008. 12th Edition. Pearson Addison-Wesley, CA, USA.