Velocity-Time Graphs: Slope Calculations

The Velocity-Time Graphs: Calculating Acceleration Video Tutorial discusses the meaning of slope and the relationship between slope and acceleration on a velocity-time graph. The procedure for calculating slope is clearly explained and modeled using three sample calculations. The tutorial ends with two practice problems followed by their answers and solutions.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

What is slope and how can the concept be used to extract information from a velocity-time graph about the motion of an object?
How can one calculate the slope of the line on a velocity-time graph and determine the acceleration 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

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.

Velocity-Time Graphs Concept Builder
Students love Concept Builders. And here's one on the conceptual aspects of velocity-time graphs. Combine your 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 a reinforcement of an idea and a check-up of your understanding. And this particular one will help you think through the use of slope calculations when making meaning of a verbal description of an object's motion that included numerical information.

Minds On Physics the App #1: Missioi KG8 on Slope and Area of Velocity-Time Graphs
Elevate your game to a whole other level with Minds On Physics. This mobile app is not for light-weights; it will provide a rigorous workout for those who are serious about learning Physics. Mission KG8 of the Kinematic Graphing module may be the perfect follow-up to this video.

Physics Classroom Tutorial: 1D-Kinematics Chapter, Lesson 4
Sometimes a student just needs a written reference. And that might be where our Tutorial fits into this presentation. You've watched the video but you need a quick refresher a few days afterwards. Our Tutorial provides the perfect review. The link above fast-forwards you to the page on slope calculations for velocity-time graphs. Perfect!

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 calculations.

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!

Science Reasoning Center: Velocity-Time Graphs
Our Science Reasoning Center takes a novel approach. The emphasis is on thinking and reasoning. Data presentations and information are provided and questions are posed to challenge students to reason from the provided information towards appropriate conclusions. We have an activity on the topic of Velocity-Time Graphs that will coordinate well with this video. It might even make a great pre-cursor to the video.

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 buitl-in follow-up quiz. The random selection of rocket parameters increases the odds that side-by-side students receive a different problem.

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.