Position-Time Graphs - Conceptual Analysis - help11

A dot diagram displays the position of an object at constant intervals of time. The spacing between adjacent dots reveals the distance traveled during that interval of time. A larger distance between adjacent dots is an indication of a faster-moving object; a smaller distance is an indication of a slower-moving object.

You will need a solid grasp of dot diagrams and position-time graphs in order to be successful on this question. There are three dot diagrams in the upper left of the graphic. The diagrams all show a constant speed motion; but the speed is different for the three objects. The faster-moving object will move the greatest distance in the time between dots. So the object with the greatest speed or velocity is the one with the greatest spacing between dots. And the slowest-moving object (smallest speed) has the smallest spacing between dots. Take a moment to identify the order of speeds for the three objects - smallest, middlest, and greatest - based on the dot diagrams. Then you will be closer to being able to make a match of each dot diagram to one of the six lines on the position-time graph.

There are six lines on the position-time graph to choose from. Three of the choices are horizontal lines; these represent stationary objects and can be ruled out right away. The remaining three lines are straight, diagonal lines which represent objects moving at a constant speed. The lines each have a different slope. The line with the greatest slope (most upward slant) corresponds to the object with the greatest speed; match it to the corresponding dot diagram. The line with the smallest slope (most flat) corresponds to the object with the smallest speed; match it to the corresponding dot diagram. Finally, match the line with the intermediate slope to the dot diagram for the object with the intermediate speed.