Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2020

Last exams 2024

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Motion Graphs (CIE A Level Physics)

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Katie M

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Motion Graphs

  • Three types of graph that can represent motion are displacement-time graphs, velocity-time graphs and acceleration-time graphs
  • On a displacement-time graph…
    • slope equals velocity
    • the y-intercept equals the initial displacement
    • a straight(diagonal) line represents a constant velocity
    • a curved line represents an acceleration
    • a positive slope represents motion in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents motion in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents a state of rest
    • the area under the curve is meaningless

Motion graphs (1), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • On a velocity-time graph…
    • slope equals acceleration
    • the y-intercept equals the initial velocity
    • a straight line represents uniform acceleration
    • a curved line represents non-uniform acceleration
    • a positive slope represents an increase in velocity in the positive direction
    • a negative slope represents an increase in velocity in the negative direction
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents motion with constant velocity
    • the area under the curve equals the displacement or distance travelled

Motion graphs (2), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

  • On an acceleration-time graph…
    • slope is meaningless
    • the y-intercept equals the initial acceleration
    • a zero slope (horizontal line) represents an object undergoing constant acceleration
    • the area under the curve equals the change in velocity

Motion graphs (3), downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

How displacement, velocity and acceleration graphs relate to each other

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.