Big Idea 12: Motion of Objects
A. Motion is a key characteristic of all matter that can
be observed, described, and measured.
B. The motion of objects can be changed by forces.
Benchmark Number &
Descriptor
SC.6.P.12.1
 Measure and graph distance versus time for
an object moving at a constant speed.
Interpret this relationship.

MOTION



Motion is the movement of
an object.
When identifying motion,
you must use a reference
point.
 An object that appears
to stay in one place
To describe the motion of
an object, you would
describe how the object’s
direction, distance, or both,
changed relative to the
reference point.
I know the car moved because
they are in different locations
based on the tree (reference
point).
SPEED
 Rate
of change of position
 Calculation:
Speed = Distance
Time
CONSTANT SPEED


The speed of the
moving object is
always the same no
matter the location.
When graphing
constant speed:


Distance on y-axis
Time on x-axis


Constant speed is
shown as a straight
line.
When in constant
motion, the slope of the
line does not change.
Graphing Constant Speed
•The
slope of this line does
not change.
•The distance on this graph
stays the same
•Speed = d/t = 0/10
= 0 m/min
•The object is not moving.
•The
slope of the line does not
change.
•The change in distance for
every minute on this graph is
constant.
•Speed = d/t
Speed = 2 m/min
Motion: Constant Speed
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Distance (m)
Distance (m)
Motion: Constant Speed
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time (min)
7
8
9
10
25
20
15
10
5
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time (min)
7
8
9
10
Knowledge Check
1. How can you identify if an object is in motion?
2. What is the definition and formula of speed?
3. By looking at a graph, how can you tell if it is
representing constant speed?
Knowledge Check
1. How can you identify if an object is in motion?
Find a permanent reference point. Compare
before and after movements to the reference
point. If the RP is in a different location from
start to finish, the object has moved.
2. What is the definition and formula of speed?
Rate of change of position
Speed = Distance/Time
3. By looking at a graph, how can you tell if it is
representing constant speed?
The slope of the line does not change at any
point.