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Home Concept Builders 1D Kinematics Velocity-Time Graphs Help Help 4

Velocity-Time Graphs - Questions 4 Help

The shape of a velocity-time graph reveals much information about the motion of an object. Whether the line is horizontal or sloped and where the line is located reveals information about the manner in which the object is moving. Learn more in the How to Think About This Situation section.

There are three similar versions of this question. Each includes three velocity-time graphs and an object that is stationary.
 

Version 1:

The velocity-time graphs represent the motion of three different objects. Identify any object that is stationary or not moving. Tap on all that apply.
 

There are three velocity-time graphs. You must choose which is /are representative of a stationary object. The way to think about these graphs is described below.

Velocity-Time Graphs: A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph is an indication of a constant velocity motion. And a diagonal line is an indication of a changing velocity motion. A line in the + region of the v-t graph is an indication that the object is moving in the positive (rightward) direction. A line in the - region of the v-t graph is an indication that the object is moving in the negative (leftward) direction. And a horizontal line on the time axis (v=0m/s) is an indication of a stationary object.

Don't Be Confused: The graphs in this Concept Builder are all velocity-time graphs. Most students have also studied position-time graphs. If you are frequently confused by these questions and answers, then perhaps you are confusing the rules for the two types of graphs. They are different rules and you will need to keep them straight in your head. For instance, a stationary object is represented by a horizontal line located anywhere on the position-time graph. This rule for stationary objects is much different than the one mentioned above for velocity-time graphs.

The following pages from The Physics Classroom Tutorial may provide additional background information and help with the topics in this Concept Builder:

Meaning of Shape for a v-t Graph

Meaning of Slope for a v-t Graph

Relating the Shape to the Motion for a v-t Graph

Concept Builder Teacher Notes Directions