Interpreting Motion Graphs

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Objective

I can interpret motion graphs to describe an object's velocity and acceleration.

Part 1 of 4

Warm-up video

GPB Education · 7:35

We don't generate video — this one is by GPB Education on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 4

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    On a position versus time graph, a straight line going up represents a positive constant velocity, while a horizontal line means the object has stopped moving.

  2. 2

    To find instantaneous velocity on a position versus time graph, you must find the slope of a tangent line at a certain moment in time.

  3. 3

    On a velocity versus time graph, a horizontal line with a negative y value indicates movement in the negative direction, and a line that slopes up and to the right indicates that an object is speeding up.

Part 3 of 4

Practice

12 questions

1

What does the slope of a position vs. time graph represent?

2

Describe what a horizontal line on a velocity vs. time graph indicates about the object's motion.

Part 4 of 4

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe Summer's motion between points A and B on the velocity versus time graph. What is happening to her velocity and acceleration during this time?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

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