Distance
Motion Graphs
Time
Can you define:
• Motion
is a change in position measured by
distance and time
• Speed
tells us the rate at which an object moves
• Velocity
tells the speed and direction of a moving
object
• Acceleration
tells us the rate speed or direction
changes
Distance-Time Graphs
Distance
Time is always plotted on
the x-axis. The further to
the right, the longer the
time from the start.
Time
Distance is plotted on the
y-axis. The higher up the
graph, the further from the
start.
Distance
Time is increasing to the right, but its
distance does not change. It is not
moving. We say it is AT REST or
STATIONARY.
Time
If an object is moving at a constant speed, it means it has the same
increase in distance in a given time.
Distance
Time is increasing to the right, and
distance is increasing constantly
with time. The object moves at a
constant speed.
Time
Constant speed is shown by
straight lines on a graph.
Let’s look at two moving objects:
Both of the lines in the graph show that each object moved the same
distance, but the steeper dashed line got there before the other one:
Distance
A steeper line indicates a larger
distance moved in a given time. In other
words, higher speed.
Both line are straight, so both speeds
are constant.
Distance
Time
The line on this graph is curving
upwards. This shows a increase in
speed, since the line is getting steeper:
In other words, in a given time, the
distance the object moves is changed
(getting larger). It is accelerating.
Time
Test your understanding
• In your notebook title your next page:
Activity 76.5:
Motion Graphs
• Answer the questions on each slide
and thoroughly explain each answer.
30
20
10
0
A
40
Distance (yds)
Distance (yds)
40
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
B
C
10
0
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
40
30
20
10
0
20
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
Distance (yds)
Distance (yds)
40
30
30
D
0
20
10
1. Which of the graphs shows that one of the runners started
10 yards further ahead of the other? Explain your answer.
2. In which of the following graphs below are both runners
moving at the same speed? Explain your answer
30
20
10
0
A
40
Distance (yds)
Distance (yds)
40
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
B
C
10
0
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
40
30
20
10
0
20
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
Distance (yds)
Distance (yds)
40
30
30
D
0
20
10
3. The distance-time graphs that follow
represent the motion of a car. Match the
descriptions with the graphs. Explain your
answers. Use the following format:
3a. Graph A matches description ___ because _____.
3b. Graph B matches description ___ because _____.
3c. Graph C matches description ___ because _____.
3d. Graph D matches description ___ because _____.
3. Descriptions
B.
Distance
A.
Distance
i. The car is stopped
ii. The car is traveling at a constant speed
iii. The car is coming back iv. The speed of the car is decreasing
D.
Distance
C.
Time
Time
Distance
Time
Time
Create a story to go with the
following distance vs. time graph
3
2
1
Distance
4
5
4.
0
1
2
3
4
Time
5
6
7
5. Create a distance vs time graph to
go with the following story
You leave your science class to go to the
nearest bathroom. Half way there, you realize
you forgot the hall pass and you go back to the
classroom to retrieve it. Your teacher tells you,
you have a total of 5 minutes to go to the
restroom and you have already used 1 ½
minutes. You quickly leave again so you can
return on time. After taking 2 minutes in the
bathroom, you only have 30 seconds left.
Luckily, you make it back on time.
How to graph
• Title
• Label axes (include units)
• Choose the value for each unit (square on
the graph) that allows you to use as much
of the graph as possible.
• Always use a RULER
A
40
20
30
15
Distance (m)
Distance (m)
Choosing the scale on the axes: 15m/3 s
20
10
0
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
B
10
5
0
2
4
6
Time (s)
8
20
Distance (m)
A. Not enough of the y-axis is used.
C
15
B. Not enough of the x-axis is used.
10
5
0
C. Uses as much of the x-axis and yaxis as possible
1
2
3
Time (s)
4
Homework
• Finish questions 4 and 5 from class work
• Speed Calculation & Graph Practice
Problems, 1-3 (4 is extra credit) (Due
Wed/Thurs)
• Graphing Quiz (Wed/Thurs)
• Lab Write Up (Thurs/Fri 2/24-25)
• Star Song (3/3-4)
Lab Write Up: Activity 76
• Use format for lab write up (yellow sheet)
• Include Analysis Questions 1-4 after Data
• Conclusion/Results: use RERUNS and
write at least one sentence for each part.
Do not write in paragraph form.
Example:
R- The purpose of this lab was to….
E- In this experiment…..
Name
Date
Period
Title:
Problem:
Hypothesis:
Materials:
Procedure:
Data:
Analysis 1-4:
Conclusion/Results: