Position Time Graphs

Physics

Graphing Uniform Motion

Motion Diagram: Shows the position of an object at a given time. This allows us to visualize what is happening.

Position Time Graph: Plots time on the horizontal axis and position on the vertical axis

How to Read a Position Time Graph

Three types of slope:Positive slope: The

position of an object is moving further from its origin in uniform motion

How to Read a Position Time Graph

Three types of slope:Zero slope: The position

of the object no longer changes with time (stays in one spot)

How to Read a Position Time Graph

Three types of slope:Negative slope: The

object is moving back towards its origin point

Lets try to interpret a position time graph

-

-

1) Look at the time intervals: What are the time intervals where there is a change in the slope

-

1) Look at the time intervals: What are the time intervals where there is a change in the slope

0s – 10s10s – 15s15s – 40s40s – 55s

-

2) Interpret what is happening at each time interval

Time interval0s – 10s : Moves 60m away from the origin10s – 15s : Stops at 60m away for 5s15s – 40s40s – 55

-

2) Interpret what is happening at each time interval

0s – 10s : Moves 60m away from the origin10s – 15s : Stops at 60m away for 5s15s – 40s : Moves back towards the origin then

passed it by 40m40s – 55 : turns back towards the origin thenArrives back at the origin