1. Motion graphs are used to show the relationships between position, speed, and time by plotting position on the y-axis versus time on the x-axis. 2. A straight line on a position vs. time graph indicates constant speed, while a steeper line means faster speed. 3. Slope represents speed, with a steeper positive slope corresponding to a higher speed. Slope is calculated as the rise over the run of a line on the graph.

1. ANALYZING
MOTION
GRAPH
PREPARED BY: TYPE YOUR NAME HERE

2. S7FE - IIIb - 3
Create and interpret visual
representation of the
motion of objects such as
tape charts and motion
graphs

3. The position vs. time graph
• Motion graphs are an important tool
used to show the relationships between
position, speed, and time.

4. Graphs show relationships
•
A good way to show a
relationship between two
variables is to use a
graph.
•
A graph makes it easy to
see if changes in one
variable cause changes in
the other variable (the
effect).

5. The position vs. time graph
To graph data, you
put position on the
vertical (y) axis .
Time goes on the
horizontal (x) axis.
Data are plotted
between x and y axis.

6. The position vs. time graph
• An object moving
at a constant speed
always creates a
position vs. time
graph that is a
straight line.

7. The position vs. time graph
• Two variables may have:
- a strong relationship,
- a weak relationship,
- or no relationship at all.

8. Graphs show relationships
• This table shows
how quickly the
car gets from A to
B as the angle of
the track changes.

9. Graphs show relationships
• If we plot the data
on a graph, what
kind of relationship
does the graph
show?

10. DIRECT AND INVERSE RELATIONSHIP

11. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIABLES

12. DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT
VARIABLES

13. Four steps to make a graph
Step 1: Choose which will be the dependent and independent
variables. The dependent variable goes on the y-axis and
the independent variable goes on the x-axis.
Step 2: Make a scale for each axis by counting boxes to fit
your largest value. Count by multiples of 1, 2, 5, or 10.
Step 3: Plot each point by finding the x-value and drawing a
line upward until you get to the right y-value.
Step 4: Draw a smooth curve that shows the pattern of the
points. Do not just connect the dots.

14. Reading a graph

15. Slope
• You can use
position vs. time
graphs to quickly
compare the
speeds of different
objects.
A steeper line on a position vs.
time graph means a faster speed.

16. Slope
• The “steepness” of a line is
called its slope.
• Visualize a triangle with the
slope as the hypotenuse.
• The rise is equal to the
height of the triangle.
• The run is equal to the
length along the base of the
triangle.

17. Slope
• The slope is the ratio
of the “rise” (vertical
change) to the “run”
(horizontal change).
• The slope is
therefore a distance
divided by a
time, which equals
speed.

18. Speed vs. time graphs
• The position vs.
time graph has
position on the
y-axis and time
on the x-axis.
Which runner has the fastest constant speed?

19. Speed vs. time graphs
These graphs each show the same event.
What differences do you notice?

20. Do these graphs display the same data?
GRAPHS: SPEED VS, TIME AND POSITION VS. TIME

21. Calculating distance
• A speed vs. time graph can also be used to find
the distance the object has traveled.