Position-Time Graphs: Determining the Velocity from the Slope
The Position-Time Graphs: Slope Calculations Video Tutorial discusses the meaning of slope on a position-time graph and the method of calculating it. Animations, informative graphics, a step-by-step procedure, three example problems, and two practice problems assist in explaining the meaning of slope.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is slope and how can the concept be used to extract information from a position-time graph about the motion of an object?
- How can one calculate the slope of the line on a position-time graph and determine the velocity of the object?
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
Concept Builder: Position-Time Graphs - Numerical Analysis
Students like Concept Builders! They're phun! And helpful. 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. There are three activities in this Concept Builder; the second activity - Know Your V - is a perfect follow-up to this video tutorial.
MOP the App #1: Kinematics Concepts, Mission KC4: Slope of a Position-Time Graph
You want a work-out? We got one for you. It's called Minds On Physics. You can download it to your phone as an app. You're looking for App #1 of the six-part App series. Each app consists of modules (topic). App #1 has three modules; you want the second module titled Kinematic Graphing. Each module consists of several missions. You want the fourth mission - it's titled KG4: Slope of a Position-Time Graph. Start it up, put on your thinking cap, and get some rigorous practice to solidify the skill of determining the velocity of a position-time graph. And by the way - as long as you have the app on your phone you should use it quite regularly. If you're serious about learning physics, then MOPs is a serious solution to your need.
Physics Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter: Lesson 3 on Determining Slope
We have a written Tutorial on our website. The language is easy to understand. It makes a great reference. You should know its there and use it as a resource when needed.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner - Kinematic Concepts
The in-the-trenches curriculum on our website can be found at the Curriculum Corner. There are a variety of classroom-ready Think Sheets that can be used iwth your classes. Depending on your interests and needs, you will find 3-5 Think Sheets that address the topic of Position-Time Graphs.
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!
Concept Builder: Position-Time Graphs - Numerical Analysis
Students like Concept Builders! They're phun! And helpful. 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. There are three activities in this Concept Builder; the second activity - Know Your V - is a perfect follow-up to this video tutorial.
MOP the App #1: Kinematics Concepts, Mission KC4: Slope of a Position-Time Graph
Our Minds On Physics program, now available as an app, has a long history of providing a rigorous mental work-out with a mastery-learning approach. Each app consists of modules (topic). App #1 has three modules; the second module is titled Kinematic Graphing. Each module consists of several missions. The fourth mission - it's titled KG4: Slope of a Position-Time Graph. If you use Minds On Physics, then Mission KG4 is a great follow-up to this video. And this video is a great pre-cursor to Mission KG4.
Physics Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter: Lesson 3 on Determining Slope
We have a written Tutorial on our website. The language is easy to understand and readable/understandable by most high school students. It makes a great reference or reading assigment. Many teachers link to the Lesson from their Course Management page.
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.