Motion Maps
Motion Map Parts
The dot: Indicates the position of the
object
The arrow: indicates the direction and
speed of the object. (sometimes called a
vector)
Dots and Arrows Together

Dot alone = not moving.

Dot and arrow together:

Position, direction and speed.
Direction and Size

Right = Forward

The longer the arrow,
the greater the velocity.
SLOW
FASTER

Left = Backward
FASTEST
The grid….

Motion Maps are drawn along a grid to show the
position of the object.

Draw a minimum of 3 arrows to show a pattern.
Forward, Constant Velocity, Slow
Forward, Constant Velocity, Faster
More Complicated Motion…
•The object moves forward at constant velocity,
•then stops and remains in place for two seconds,
•then moves backward at a slower constant velocity.
Motion Maps with Acceleration

Forward and Speeding Up….

X
The acceleration is positive…draw small arrows
between the velocity arrows (without dots) to
show this.
Acceleration Arrows

Acceleration can either be positive, negative or zero.

If a = positive, then draw your arrows to the right.

If a = negative, then draw your arrows to the left.

Draw them in between and slightly above the
velocity arrows.
Exit Pass

On a separate sheet of paper…..

Draw motion maps, including both velocity and
acceleration arrows (if required) for the following
situations:





Constant velocity forward
Constant velocity backward
Forward and slowing down
Backward and speeding up
Backward and slowing down
Homework----Due Tomorrow!

Motion Map Worksheet.

Look at the position-time graph that is given.

Fill the in blanks for:

Direction:


Velocity:


Constant , Speeding Up OR Slowing Down
Acceleration:


Forward OR Backward
Positive OR Negative
Then draw the motion map.