Motion diagrams

Elements of a motion diagram?

1) dots placed at equal intervals of time to represent the position of the object 2) velocity arrows to represent direction and speed 3) velocity change arrows to represent qualitative changes in velocity between to adjacent points on the diagram

Motion digram

A motion diagram is a simple representation of linear motion that uses dots placed at equal intervals of time to represent an object at each time and velocity arrows to indicate velocity.

How does a velocity change arrow show qualitative changes in velocity?

A velocity change arrow is placed above and between two adjacent points on the graph to show qualitative changes in velocity. The direction shows whether the object is speeding up or slowing down (opposite direction of velocity arrows if slowing down, same direction if speeding up, Δ 𝘷 = 0 if velocity is constant)

How many points are needed on a motion diagram?

One point is needed for each consecutive time interval because the dot represents an objects potion at each time interval.

What symbol do you place above (or below) a velocity arrow on a motion diagram?

Symbol for vector velocity - italics lowercase v with right facing arrow overhead

What does Δ mean?

The Greek letter delta Δ indicates a change in whatever quantity follows it.

How is velocity represented on a motion diagram?

Velocity is represented with a velocity arrow which shows magnitude and direction.

How many velocity change arrows do you need?

You need a velocity change arrow for every distinguishable qualitative change in velocity (speeding up slowing down or constant). One velocity change arrow can be used for the entire graph if the change in velocity is constant throughout the entire graph.

What symbol goes above a velocity change arrow?

Δ 𝘷 (with right facing arrow overhead)