Velocity-Time Graphs: Changing Speed Motion

The Velocity-Time Graphs: Changing Speed Motion Video Tutorial discusses the shape and features of a velocity-time graph for an object that is moving with changing speed. The distinctions of the graphs for speeding up and slowing down objects is clearly made. Numerous example graphs, animations, and practice problems with feedback assist in the explanations.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What are the features of a line on a velocity-time graph for a changing velocity motion?
2. How does a velocity-time graph distinguish a speeding up object from a slowing down 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

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.

Concept Builder: Velocity-Time Graphs
Students love Concept Builders. And here's one on the conceptual aspects of velocity-time graphs. Combine your understanding of consant speed and changing speed motions in order to answer questions and win the Trophy.

Minds On Physics, App #1, Missions KG5-KG7
For those who are serious about learning Physics, we recommend our Minds On Physics apps. These interactive questioning modules include a collection of carefully-crafted questions to target thos stubbornly-held wrong ideas. A quick tap on a Help button provides insight into the source of your faulty thinking.

The Physis Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter - Lesson 4
The Physics Classroom's Tutorial is always a great locaton to go to freshen up on a topic. Written in an easy-to-understand language, the Turotiral provides a reliable resource on most topics in Physics.

Teacher Resources

The Curriculum Corner - Kinematics Section
The Curriculum Corner is our in-the-trenches curriculum for use with your classes. It consists of a series of Think Sheets that systematically develop concepts in a logical manner. You will find several Think Sheets on the topic of velocity-time graphs in the Kinematics Chapter.

Teacher Toolkits: Velocity-Time Graphs
Need a resource? We can help. Our Teacher Toolkits consist of annotated links to web resources that we believe are standards-based and multi-media driven. Find what you need quick with a toolkit in your hand.

Science Reasoning Center
Our Science Reasoning Center includes unique collection of activities that encourage students to analyze data presentations and experimental descriptions and to draw conclusions based on reasoning.

Physics Interactives: Graphs and Ramps
Our Graphs and Ramps simulation is a game-like challenge that requires that students build a collection of ramps along which a ball will roll so that its motion is consistent with a given motion graph. The activity will require an understanding of both constant velocity and changing velocity motions.

Concept Builder: Velocity-Time Graphs
Students love Concept Builders. And here's one on the conceptual aspects of velocity-time graphs. Students must combine their understanding of constant speed and changing speed motions in order to answer questions and win the Trophy.

Concept Builder: Graph That Motion
Another Concept Builder ... and an awesome challenge. Students view the simulated motion of an object and must match it to a position-time or a velocity-time graph.

Concept Builder: Match That Graph
And still another Concept Builder. Consisting of multiple levels of difficulty, this Concept Builder provides a position-time graph and challenges students to pick the coresponding velocity-time graph (or vice versa).

Minds On Physics, App #1, Missions KG5-KG7
For those who are serious about learning Physics, we recommend our Minds On Physics apps. These interactive questioning modules include a collection of carefully-crafted questions to target those stubbornly-held wrong ideas. A quick tap on a Help button provides insight into the source of your faulty thinking. It is a great homework tool for teachers, providing a mastery-learning approach and a means to track student progress.

The Physis Classroom Tutorial: 1D Kinematics Chapter - Lesson 4
The Physics Classroom's Tutorial is always a great location to go to freshen up on a topic. Written in an easy-to-understand language, the Tutorial provides a reliable resource on most topics in Physics. Many teachers link to the Tutorial from their course space.

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.