Position-Time Graphs: Changing Speed Motion

The Position-Time Graphs: Changing Speed Video Tutorial discusses the features of a position-time graph for the motion of objects that have a changing velocity. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

What does a position-time graph look like for a changing velocity motion?
How is a speeding up and a slowing down motion represented on a position-time graph?
How can the direction of the velocity and acceleration be determined from a position-time graph?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Physics Interactives: Graphs and Ramps
This interactive simulation has a game-like feel as users design ramps along which balls will roll. The goal is to design a ramp that leads to a motion that matches a specific position-time graphs. Great practice and you'll love it.

Concept Builder: Position-Time Graphs - Conceptual Analysis
The consensus is Concept Builders are phun! They include a collection of questions to answer; feedback to your answers is immediate. Each question includes a Help page. Dataways, stars, and trophies are your rewards as you apply Physics principles to work your way through a variety of difficulty levels. Any of the three activities would serve you well at this point.

Concept Builder: Dots and Graphs
The consensus is Concept Builders are phun! They include a collection of questions to answer; feedback to your answers is immediate. Each question includes a Help page. Dataways, stars, and trophies are your rewards as you apply Physics principles to work your way through a variety of activities. The first activity is a perfect complement to this video tutorial.

MOP the App #1: Kinematics Graphing, Missions KG1 - KG3 on Position-Time Graphs
You may not find a better exercise for putting knowledge to practice than the Minds On Physics program. Available as an app on several devices, the MOP program consists of carefully crafted questions that target discrete concepts. Any of the three mentioned missions will provide the work-out required to solidify your understanding of this video.

Physics Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter: Lesson 3 on Position-Time Graphs
It's still a bit of a passive activity, but this 3-page lesson on the topic of Position-Time Graphs complements the set of three video turoial presentations on the topic. It might serve as a great reference.

Teacher Resources

Teacher Toolkits - Position-Time Graphs
We love our Teacher Toolkits. These short Toolkits were made for busy teachers. They include annotated links to a variety of vetted, standards-based, multimedia-supported resources across he web. We have one on the topic of Position-Time Graphs. Check it out!

Curriculum Corner - Kinematic Concepts
Don't overlook our Curriculum Corner. It is the in-the-trenches curriculum on our website and coordinates well with the Tutorial and other sections. It includes a variety of classroom-ready Think Sheets that can be used with your classes. Depending on your interests and needs, you will find 3-5 Think Sheets that address the topic of Position-Time Graphs.

Physics Interactives: Graphs and Ramps
This is a great interactive exercise that gets students thinking. It is best used after the videos (or comparable instruction) on the topic of both constant speed and changing speed motion. The goal of this game-like activity is to design a ramp that leads to a motion that matches a specific position-time graph. Its a good challenge and a captivating activity.

Concept Builder: Position-Time Graphs - Conceptual Analysis
Students like Concept Builders. They consist of a battery of questions which are delivered in random order. Feedback to student answers is immediate. When questions are missed, a similar question is given. Stars and trophies are used as a progress-tracking tool to help teachers assess student understanding. This CB has three activies. It's a great exercise once a constant speed and a changing speed understanding is developing.

Concept Builder: Dots and Graphs
Here is another Concept Builder that makes for a great formative assessment. This CB has three activies. It's recommended after a constant speed and a changing speed understanding is developed. The first activity pertains to position-time graphs. Other activities require an understanding of velocity-time graphs.

MOP the App #1: Kinematics Graphing, Missions KG1 - KG3 on Position-Time Graphs
The Minds On Physics program provide students a rigorous exercise in thinking, analyzing, and using Physics concepts. Available as an app on several devices, the MOP program consists of carefully crafted questions that target discrete concepts. Any of the three mentioned missions will provide the work-out required to solidify your understanding of this video. You will find them in the Kinematic Graphing module of App #1.

Physics Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter: Lesson 3 on Position-Time Graphs
This 3-page lesson on the topic of Position-Time Graphs complements the set of three video turoial presentations on the topic. It might serve as a great reference for students.

We have many other online activities ... particularly in the Physics Interactives and Concept Builders section. Most require a dual understanding of both position-time and velocity-time graphs. So please return after both graphical understandings have developed.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.