Motion Graphs

Uniform Negative Acceleration

Acceleration is a constant negative value. Slope is zero, so no change in acceleration over time.

Uniform Positive Acceleration

Acceleration is a constant positive value. Slope is zero, so no change in acceleration over time.

Uniform Motion

Acceleration is zero over time, so no change in motion.

Non-Uniform Acceleration

Graph has slope, so acceleration changes over time.

Backward Acceleration

Position time graph with object starting ahead of origin. Moving backward and increasing speed. Slope is negative, but increasing over time.

Rest

Position time graph with object starting ahead of origin. Not changing position over time. Slope is zero.

Backward Deceleration

Position time graph with object starting at origin. Moving backward and decreasing speed. Slope is negative, but decreasing over time.

Forward Acceleration

Position time graph with object starting at origin. Moving forward and increasing speed. Slope is positive, but increasing over time.

Forward Deceleration

Position time graph with object starting at origin. Moving forward, but slowing down. Slope positive, but decreasing over time.

Rest

Position time graph with object starting behind origin. Not changing position over time. Slope is zero.

Forward Deceleration

Position time graph with object starting behind the origin. Moving forward, but slowing down. Slope positive, but decreasing over time.

Rest

Velocity is zero over time, so no motion.

Backward Uniform Motion

Velocity time graph with an initial negative velocity. Moving backwards at a constant rate. Slope is zero, so no acceleration.

Forward Uniform Motion

Velocity time graph with an initial positive velocity. Moving forwards at a constant rate. Slope is zero, so no acceleration.

Backward Deceleration

Velocity time graph with initial backward motion, but slowing down. Slope is positive, so acceleration is forward.

Forward Deceleration

Velocity time graph with initial forward motion, but slowing down. Slope is negative, so acceleration is backwards.

Backward Acceleration

Velocity time graph with system initially at rest, but speeding up backwards. Slope is negative, so acceleration is backwards.

Forward Acceleration

Velocity time graph with system initially at rest, but speeding up forwards. Slope is positive, so acceleration is forward.

Backward Deceleration to Forward Acceleration

Velocity time graph with system initially moving backwards, but accelerating forwards. Slope is positive, so acceleration is forward.

Forward Deceleration to Backward Acceleration

Velocity time graph with system initially moving forwards, but accelerating backwards. Slope is negative, so acceleration is backwards.