Understanding Motion Graphs
(Answer Key at End!)
C.
Distance
Time
Distance
B.
Distance
A.
Time
E.
F.
Time
Distance
Distance
Distance
D.
Time
Time
Time
Descriptions of Motion
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Acceleration
Constant Speed (high rate of speed)
Constant Speed (low rate of speed)
Negative Acceleration (deceleration)
No Motion (stopped)
Moving Backwards (constant velocity in reverse)
Graph A matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Graph B matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Graph C matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Graph D matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Graph E matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Graph F matches description ______ because _____________________________________________________________________.
Motion Graphs - Part 2
Speed
B.
Speed
A.
Time
Speed
D.
Speed
C.
Time
Time
Time
Descriptions of Motion
1. No Motion (stopped)
Graph A matches description ______________________
2. Constant Speed
Graph B matches description ______________________
3. Acceleration
Graph C matches description ______________________
4. Negative Acceleration (deceleration)
Graph D matches description _____________________
Use the graph to the right to answer the questions below.
Which runner won the race? ___________________________
Which runner stopped for a break? ______________________
How long was the stop? ______________________
Calculate each racer’s average speed over the race.
Albert - _____________
Bob - ______________
Charlie - _____________
Answer Key at End!
Time
Distance
C.
Distance
B.
Distance
A.
Time
Time
Distance
F.
Distance
E.
Distance
D.
Time
Time
Time
Descriptions of Motion
7. Acceleration
8. Constant Speed (high rate of speed)
9. Constant Speed (low rate of speed)
10. Negative Acceleration (deceleration)
11. No Motion (stopped)
12. Moving Backwards (constant velocity in reverse)
Graph A matches description No Motion because distance did not change.
Graph B matches description Constant Speed (high rate of speed) because graph is linear and steep.
Graph C matches description Moving Backwards (constant velocity in reverse) because graph has a
negative slope and is linear.
Graph D matches description Acceleration because graph is getting steeper.
Graph E matches description Negative acceleration (deceleration) because graph is getting less steep.
Graph F matches description Constant Speed (low rate of speed) because graph is linear and not steep.
Motion Graphs - Part 2
Speed
B.
Speed
A.
Time
Speed
D.
Speed
C.
Time
Time
Time
Descriptions of Motion
5. No Motion (stopped)
Graph A matches Constant Speed
6. Constant Speed
Graph B matches Acceleration
7. Acceleration
Graph C matches Negative Acceleration
8. Negative Acceleration (deceleration)
Graph D matches No Motion (stopped)
Teacher Tip: On the last page, the graphs measured “distance” on the y-axis. On
those graphs, a flat line meant that the distance was not changing, so it represented
“no motion.” Here, the graphs measure “speed” on the y-axis. A flat line here means
that the speed is not changing. This could represent cruise control when you are
driving at a constant speed on the freeway, or it could (as in Graph D) represent a
constant speed of zero.
Use the graph to the right to answer the questions below.
Which runner won the race? Albert
Which runner stopped for a break? Charlie
How long was the stop? 5 seconds