Chapter 2: Representing Motion
Motion Diagrams (p. 32-33)
 A motion _____DIAGRAM__________ represents the motion of an object over a given time interval.
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Motion diagrams can be simplified by using a ____SERIES OF IMAGES___________.
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In the particle model, the object is represented as a _SINGLE_______ dot. This simplifies the diagram
Position vs. Time Graphs (p. 38-42)
 ___POSITION____________ is plotted on the y-axis

Time is plotted on the ____X-AXIS___________

To draw the graph, plot the object’s position, then draw a line that ____BEST FITS________ the
recorded points.
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p – t graphs allow you to _ESTIMATE________ the position of the object even though there are no
data points.
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The __________MOTION_________ of more than one object can be represented on a single positiontime graph (p. 42, first sentence-describes GRAPHS on page 41)
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__SLOPE________ of a line on a position vs. time graph indicates the __AVERAGE VELOCITY___of the
object (pg. 44)

Steep slope indicates a large position change in little time (slamming on the gas) (higher velocity)

Shallow Slope indicates a small position change in a long time interval. (low velocity)

No Slope indicates that the object is not moving. (zero velocity)
Velocity vs. Speed (p. 43-44)
 ___SPEED____________ plus ____DIRECTION______________ (hint-Velocity is a vector!)
 Examples: 60 m/s = ___SPEED_____________; 60 m/s northwest = ___VELOCITY_______
 Velocity has same unit as _SPEED_______ (m/s)
Average Velocity (p. 44)

Defined as the change in ___POSITION________, divided by the _TIME_____ during which the change
occurred.
 Formula:
v = Δx /Δt
v = _____VELOCITY__________________ unit is __m/s_____
Δx = ____POSITION (DISPLACEMENT)______unit is __m_____
Δt = _____TIME____________ unit is _s______

Average velocity is equal to the __SLOPE______ of the line in a position-time graph


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The ___SIGN____________ of the slope tells you the direction of motion.
Positive slope tells you that the average velocity is to the _RIGHT____ or up.
___NEGATIVE_________ slope tells you that the average velocity is to the left or down.