Class: 9 Motion-Notes-2 Sub: Physics

GRAPH
A graph is a pictorial representation of the relation between two sets of data of which one set is
of dependent variable and the other set is of independent variable.
TYPES OF GRAPHS-MOTION

(i) Displacement –time graph

(ii) Velocity –time graph
DISPLACEMENT –TIME GRAPH
The displacement –time graph represents change in position with time.
In a displacement-time graph,displacement is a dependent quantity,taken on the Y-axis and
time is taken on the X-axis,as it is an independent quantity.

If a body moves in a straight path the distance and the displacement of the motions are equal
so the displacement - time graph and the distance - time graph are same.

(i) If the displacement –time graph is parallel to time axis, then body is in the state of rest.
Ex:
(ii) If displacement/distance-time graph is a straight line, making an angle with the time
axis then body is moving with a uniform velocity. (Uniform motion)
The velocity can be found out by finding the slope of the graph. Since, velocity is the ratio of
displacement and time therefore the slope of displacement-time graph gives the velocity.
The greater the slope, the bigger the velocity is.

Note :
The graph can never be parallel to displacement axis (Y-axis), as it means that displacement
increases indefinitely, without any increase in time, which is impossible.
(iii) If displacement-time graph is a curve, it means the body is moving with a variable velocity,
and hence has some acceleration. (Non-uniform motion)
Velocity-Time Graph
Velocity-time graph represents change in velocity with time. In the velocity-time graph, time is
taken on X-axis and the velocity is taken on Y-axis.

(i) Velocity-Time graph parallel to time axis:

If velocity-time graph is parallel to the time axis then the:

(a) Body is moving with uniform velocity.

(b) Its acceleration is zero.
(c) Its displacement can be found by finding the area of the graph.

(ii) If Velocity-Time graph is a straight line making an angle with time axis, as the following
 (a) Body is moving with variable velocity.
(b) It has uniform acceleration, which can be found by the slope of graph.
(c) displacement can be found, by finding area under the velocity-time graph.
(d) If slope is positive, then the body has positive acceleration.
(e) If slope is negative, then the body has negative acceleration as shown in the following
graph.

(iii) If the Velocity-Time graph is a curve,

(a) The body has variable velocity and variable acceleration.

(b) Area under the curve represents displacement.
(c) Acceleration at any instant can be found by finding slope at the point.
Note: