Graphing Motion: Page 70
QUESTION: What does a distance versus time graph show you?
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to construct and interpret a distance versus time line graph.
VOCABULARY: distance versus time graph slope
Graphing MotionWrite these questions onto page 70
SKIP ONE LINE BETWEEN EACH QUESTION
1. Which axis does distance and time go on?2. What does a steep line mean?3. What does a horizontal line on the graph mean?
Distance versus time graphA distance versus time line graph shows the speed of an object.
On this type of graph, time must be on the x-axis and distance must be on the y-axis.
When making this type of graph be sure to label each axis with a proper unit.
distance
Time
km
hours
SlopeSlope is the steepness of the line
The steeper the line, the greater the speed.
The graph shows that Car 3 has a greater speed than Car 1 and Car 2.
distance
Time
km
hours
Car 3
Car 2
Car 1
100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Reading a distance versus time graph A straight line on a distance versus time graph shows constant speed (cruise control) Car 1
A horizontal line shows that the object is not moving. Car 2 is parked.
distance
Time
km
hours
Car 1
Car 2
100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Interpreting the graph Most objects don’t go a constant speed. So most distance versus time graphs are not straight lines.
distance
Time
km
minutes
A Trip to the Mall
100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Think of a trip to the mall.
First, you go slow down your street.
Then you go faster down the main street.
You may stop because of a red light.
You drive some more and then you arrive at the mall.
Finally, you park.
distance
Time
km
minutes
100
80
60
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Review: Draw the graph below Distance must be on the y-axis and time must be on the x-axis. Include the proper units.
A straight line shows a constant speed. Car 1
The steeper the line, the greater the speed. Car 2
A horizontal line shows the object is not moving. Car 3
Car 1
Car 2
Car 3
Car 4
What is happening to Car 4?
Graphing Motion: page 70Check that the answers to these
questions are in your notes.
1. Which axis does distance and time go on?2. What does a steep line mean?3. What does a horizontal line on the graph mean?
VOCABULARYDistance versus time graph- a graph that shows the motion of an object.
Slope-the steepness of a line