Motion Graphs• Let’s go over the basics.

Acceleration vs. time graphs(a vs. t)

• These graphs are boring, and will only have a straight line above the axis, below the axis, or at 0.

• But what does the straight line mean?– Acceleration is always constant.

• What is the acceleration in this graph?– -2m/s2

• What does that mean?– Object is accelerating to the left.

Acceleration vs. time graphs(a vs. t)

• These graphs are boring, but they can be stair steps.• But what does the stair steps mean?

– Acceleration is changing instantaneously.

• What is the acceleration in this graph at 1 sec?– 2m/s2

• What is the acceleration at 5s?– -2 m/s2.

Acceleration vs. time graphs(a vs. t)

• The total area under the line tells you the change in velcocity for the object in motion.

• What is the change in velocity of the object from t=1s to t=5s?0 m

Acceleration effects displacement vs time

• The acceleration effects shape of your displacement vs time.

• A positive acceleration create a Concave up displacement graph, and a Positive Slope Velocity graphs.

– Which displacement graph depends on the starting and ending velocity.

Acceleration effects displacement vs time

• And what about negative accelerations.• A negative acceleration create a Concave down displacement

graph, and a Negative Slope Velocity graphs.

– Which displacement graph depends on the starting and ending velocity.