Motion Plots Summary - Kinematics

← Constant Acceleration All Lessons Equations →

Explain why the acceleration is greatest between A and B and zero between C and D.

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A - B, B - C, C - D

Video Instruction

showmethephysics.com

Ranking Task

Rank the acceleration from greatest to least. Ties are possible. Explain.

0-3 ___ 3-6 ___ 6-8 ___ 8-9 ___

Describe the Acceleration Below

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Review

Describe the motion

Slope: = d/t
= vel.

velocity is constant +

3. a = 0 (vel. not changing)

Ex) d (cm)

1. y changes: ? 2. Slope: ?

↓

1. Y changes: d constant

2. Slope: d/t = v

v = 0

Ex)

1. y changes: ? 2. Slope: ?

↓

1. Y changes: d inc. 2. Slope: d/t = v

V is increasing

3. Constant accel. (smooth increase of v)

Ex)

1. y changes: ? 2. Slope: ?

↓

1. Y changes: d inc. 2. Slope: d/t = v

V is increasing

3. Not Constant acceleration

Ex)

1. y changes: ? 2. Slope: ?

↓

1. y changes: increasing v

2. Slope: v/t = a

acceleration is constant +

Ex)

1. y changes: ? 2. Slope: ?

↓

1. y changes: decreasing v

2. Slope: v/t = a

acceleration is constant and neg.

Extras

Try this great Kinematics Games Here

V vs t not zero

Optical Illusion

Check Your Understanding

5 quick questions — pick an answer to see if you’re right.

1. A displacement vs. time graph is a flat horizontal line. What are the velocity and acceleration?

2. A displacement vs. time graph is a straight line sloping upward. Which is true?

3. A displacement vs. time graph curves upward smoothly, getting steeper. What is the acceleration?

4. A velocity vs. time graph is a straight line sloping downward toward zero. What is happening?

5. A velocity vs. time line goes straight from 0 m/s at 0 s to 12 m/s at 3 s. What is the acceleration?

Equations →