Velocity-Time Graphs: Area Calculations
The Velocity-Time Graphs: Displacement Calculations Video Tutorial describes the significance of area on a velocity-time graph. Details about how to calculate the area between the line and the time axis are explained and modeled through numerous examples. Common pitfalls are discussed and strategies for analyzing complex situations are described.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is the significance of the area between the line on a velocity-time graph and the time axis?
- How does does one perform an area calculation for a velocity-time graph in order to determine the displacement?
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
The Calculator Pad, Kinematics
Our Calculator Pad section includes questions, answers, and audio-guided solutions. You will find some area calculations in Questions 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the 1D Kinematics section.
Minds On Physics the App #1, Kinematic Graphing module, Mission KG8
Students who are serious about learning Physics find the rigor and the resources built into the Minds On Physics app series help them to sharpen their understanding. The program delivers carefully-crafted questions that uncover common student difficulties while providing extensive question-specific help that guides a student from naive beliefs to properly understood conceptual models.
Words and Graphs Concept Builder
The consensus is that 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. This Concept Builder requires that you be fluent with slope and area calculations in an effort to match a graph to the corresponding words that describe a motion.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, 1D Kinematics Chapter, Lesson 4
When you need a reliable and readable written reference on a basic Physics topic, try our Tutorial. Written in an easy-to-understand language, this resource can be your go-to place when you need to review the basics on a topic.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner: 1D-Kinematics Section
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 Velocity-Time Graphs. And a few of them will include several questions requiring slope and areacalculations.
Teacher Toolkits: Velocity-Time Graphs
A Teacher Toolkit includes annotated links to a collection of websites with standards-based, multi-media driven resources. We have a lot of Toolkits and they're always worth a look. The link above will transport you to our Toolkit on Velocity-Time Graphs. Enjoy!
Physics Interactives: Two Stage Rocket
A two-stage rocket problem is among the more difficult of problems in kinematics. This interactive simulation of a two-stage rocket provides students with an interactive experience using slope and area calculations to analyze a two-stage rocket and to make meaning of the graphical representations. The Interactive is accompanied by a classroom-ready activity sheet and a built-in follow-up quiz. The random selection of rocket parameters increases the odds that side-by-side students receive a different problem.
The Calculator Pad, Kinematics
When it comes to practice solving physics word problems, the Calculator Pad is the place to visit. Our Calculator Pad section includes questions, answers, and audio-guided solutions. You will find some area calculations in Questions 13, 14, 16 and 17 of the 1D Kinematics section.
Minds On Physics the App #1, Kinematic Graphing module, Mission KG8
Students who are serious about learning Physics find the rigor and the resources built into the Minds On Physics app series help them to sharpen their understanding. The program delivers carefully-crafted questions that uncover common student difficulties while providing extensive question-specific help that guides a student from naive beliefs to properly understood conceptual models. Mission KG8 in App #1 is all about slope and area calculations for v-t graphs.
Physics Interactives: Graphs and Ramps
This phun simulation challenges learners to build a ramp along which a ball will roll in order to create a graph that matches a target graph. Correct your mistakes and learn as you work your way through the various levels of the game. While the activity will provide no practice with area calculations, it will provide strong reincforcement of student understanding of the conceptual aspects of v-t graphs.
Velocity-Time Graphs Concept Builder
Students love Concept Builders. And here's one on the conceptual aspects of velocity-time graphs. Students combine an understanding of constant speed and changing speed motions in order to answer questions and win the Trophy.
Words and Graphs Concept Builder
You can't beat a Concept Builder for providing reinforcement of an idea and a check-up of student understanding. And this particular one will help students think through the use of slope calculations when making meaning of a verbal description of an object's motion that included numerical information.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, 1D Kinematics Chapter, Lesson 4
When you need a reliable and readable written reference on a basic Physics topic, try our Tutorial. Written in an easy-to-understand language, this resource can be your go-to place when you need to review the basics on a topic.
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.