(FOM) Distance versus Time Graphs Lesson

Distance versus Time Graphs

Another way to visualize the motion of an object is to use a graph.  Position vs. time graphs, also called distance vs. time graphs, are used to display a collection of data. The data, in this case, is the distance an object has traveled in a set amount of time. The graph shows the changes in velocity over time. Watch the following video which explains how to interpret position versus time graphs.

Be sure to answer the questions in the guided video notes Links to an external site. to ensure you are taking away the important concepts from the video.

As you can see, graphs can give you a visual understanding of the motion of an object.  Below is a summary of how to read distance versus time graphs.

Distance vs time graph indicating: fast, steady speed. steady speed stationary getting faster returning to start

Example:  Journey to the Bus Stop

The graph below shows Tom's journey to the bus stop is split into four sections. The straight lines indicate that Tom moves at a constant but different speed in each section.  Look at each description related to each section of the graph.

Bus Stop Graph: section A from (0,0) to (50,100); B from (50,100) to (70,40); C from (70,40) to (100,160) and D from (100, 160) to (130, 160). X-axis is Time and Y-axis is Distance

    1. In this section of the journey Tom walks away from home at a speed of 2 meters per second (100 meters ÷ 50 seconds).
    2. The negative slope here means a change in direction. At 100 meters from home Tom starts to walk towards home. He walks for 60 meters (100 meters - 40 meters) at a speed of 3 meters per second (60 meters ÷ 20 seconds).
    3. At the start of this section Tom changes direction. He is now walking away from home at a fast pace. His speed is 4 meters per second (Distance:   160 meters - 40 meters = 120 meters.   120 meters ÷ 30 seconds).
    4. Here the slope is zero. This means at 160 meters from home Tom stops. His distance does not change even though the time is continuing. It has taken him 100 seconds to get to this point.

 

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