1-D Kinematics: Graphing Velocity

constant positive slope = acceleration

no slope = moving at a constant rate

constant negative slope = slowing down

changing slope = increasing or decreasing acceleration

Slope of V vs t Graph = Acceleration

Slope (m) = Rise / Run = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

What would be the acceleration of this object?

Pick 2 coordinate sets.

(x1,y1)(x2,y2).....(0,0)(4,8)

Plug into slope equation....

m = (8-0)/(4-0) = 8/4 = 2 m/s/s (units for V on graph are wrong)

the sign on velocity just represents direction

(+) velocity = object traveling right or up.

(-) velocity = object traveling left or down.

so if a Velocity vs time graph crosses the X axis it just means the object is changing direction.

Displacement on a Velocity vs time Graph = AREA UNDER THE GRAPH

Divide up area under the graph into rectangles and triangles.

Find area of each and add together.

Area of triangle = 1/2(b*h)

Area of rectangle = l*w

You need calculus to solve!

This is a CP class so we will stick to constant slopes!