Module 1—Motion
Lesson Summary
There were five parts to the lesson. Each part had an essential question for you to answer.
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Part 1: How can you interpret position-time graphs for motion in one dimension?
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Part 2: How do you determine velocity using a position-time graph?
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Part 3: How can you compare observed motions with position-time graphs?
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Part 4: How can you interpret velocity-time graphs for motion in one dimension?
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Part 5: How do you determine displacement using a velocity-time graph?
Position-time graphs can be used to describe, compare, and interpret uniform motion. On a position-time graph, the data points indicate the position of an object and can be used to determine its displacement in a given time interval. The slope of the line on a position-time graph describes the object’s velocity during a given time interval and can be used to produce a velocity-time graph. In turn, the area of a velocity-time graph illustrates the displacement of a moving object.
Lesson Glossary
one-dimensional motion: motion in a straight line
position-time graph: a graph showing the position of an object at varying times, where time is the independent variable and position is the dependent variable
uniform motion: motion at constant speed in a straight line
velocity-time graph: a graph showing the velocity of an object at varying times, where time is the independent variable and velocity is the dependent variable