12

STEM General Physics 1

Quarter 1 – Module 6
Graphical Analysis of Motion
General Physics 1– Grade 12
Quarter 1 – Module 6: Graphical Analysis of Motion

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or
office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit.
Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every
effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Lope Labayandoy

Editors: Benjie L. Cadag

Voltaire G. Furio
Alex Barrameda
Edgardo J. Bungcag

Reviewers: Benjie L. Cadag

Voltaire G. Furio
Alex Barrameda
Edgardo J. Bungcag

Language Editor: Ronnalyn N. Jalmasco

Layout Artist: Ma. Rachel B. Espino, Antonio L. Morada

Interpret velocity and acceleration, respectively, as
slopes of position vs. velocity vs time curves
(STEM_GP12KINIb-15)
Construct velocity vs time and acceleration vs time
graphs, respectively corresponding to a given
position vs time-graph and velocity vs. time graph
and vice versa (STEM_GP12KINIb-16)

1
 GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS OF MOTION

Graphs are often the best way to convey

descriptions of real-world events. It brings clarity to
complex information extracted from an experiment
that appears to be abstract. More importantly, it can
be used to explore and look for underlying
relationships between physical quantities.

In this module, you will learn about graphical

analysis of motion. This lesson, focuses on interpreting
and creating motion graphs based on the slope. Read on
and perform the activities prepared for you in this
module.
At the end of the module, you should be able to:

analyze motion graphs and diagrams to

determine the relationships between an object’s position,
velocity, and acceleration;
explain what the slope of a position vs. time
graph and a velocity vs. time graph represent; and
derive velocity vs. time and acceleration vs. time
graphs from a position vs. time graph and vice versa.

2
Directions: Perform the indicated operation

For numbers 1-4, analyze the graph below and answer the following questions.

A B

C
E

1. On which time interval(s) is the velocity of the moving object equal to zero?

2. At what time was the object furthest from the origin (x = 0)?

3. Over which time interval(s) was the object moving in the negative direction?

4. Over which time interval(s) was the object moving in the positive direction?

For numbers 5-8, refer to the problem below.

The position of a particle is given by x(t) = 3.0t + 0.5t3 m.

5. Find the functional form of velocity

6. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 2.0 s.

7. Compare the average velocity and instantaneous velocity.

How did you find the test?

Please check your answers at the answer key

section and see how you fared. Don’t worry if you got
a low score, this just means that there are more
things to learn in this module. So, hop on!

3
 Do you still remember constant velocity and changing
velocity? How about the common properties of slope? Let’s
try this problem.

PART A. Comparing constant velocity and changing

velocity

A. Constant velocity

B. Changing velocity

1. Using the data above, make a position vs. time graph.

A. Constant velocity B. Changing velocity

4
 2. By looking at the graph, what can you say about constant velocity and changing
velocity?

3. What can you say about the slope of the graph?

4. How does the slope help you analyze the motion of an object?
Part B
Sketch the following descriptions in second column.

Description Position vs. time

1. Constant velocity
positive velocity

2. Constant velocity
slow, rightward (+)

3. Constant velocity
Slow, leftward (+)

4. Constant velocity
Positive velocity

5. Constant velocity
Fast, rightward (+)

Description Velocity vs. time

6. Positive velocity
Zero acceleration

.
7. Positive Velocity
Positive Acceleration

5
Which among the graphs in the table resembles the graph you accomplished in part
A?

The above activity shows a car traveling at a

constant and changing velocity. By graphing the data,
we can say that an object at constant velocity has a
graph of a straight line while changing velocity
(accelerated motion) often depicts a curve line graph.
This principle can be shown by using the slope.
Slope pertains to the steepness of the line
graph often calculated by dividing the amount of rise
(Δy) by the amount of run (Δx). Slope reveals pertinent
information about the object’s motion.

What does the slope of a position vs. time graph and a

velocity vs. time graph represent?

Part A: Average Velocity and Average Acceleration

Given the position-versus-time graph, find the velocity-versus-
time graph and acceleration vs. time graph.

1. What is the average velocity (slope) at the interval 0s to 0.5s? What can you say
about its magnitude and direction?
Ex.
1 m/s, Constant and positive velocity
6
 2. What is the average (slope) at the interval 0.5s to 1.0s? What can you say about its
magnitude and direction?

3. What is the average velocity (slope) at the interval 1.0s to 2.0s? What can you say
about its magnitude and direction?

4. Plot the calculated

average velocity in the
figure at the right and
describe its trend.

5. What does the horizontal

line on a velocity versus
time graph represent?

6. What is the average acceleration (slope) at interval 0s to 0.5s, 0.5s to 1.0s, and 1.0s
to 2.0s? What can you say about their magnitudes and directions?

7. Plot the calculated average

velocity in the figure at the
right and interpret its
meaning.

PART B. Instantaneous velocity and Instantaneous acceleration

Consider the motion of a particle in which the position is x(t) = 3.0t − 3t2 m.

1. What is the position of the particle at t = 0.25 s, t = 0.50 s, and t = 1.0 s?

Strategy: Substitute time to the position x(t)

7
2. Plot the calculated values in the
position x(t) vs. time (t) graph

X(t) (m)
3. What can you say about the magnitude and direction at t = 0.25 s, t = 0.50 s, and
t = 1.0 s? Describe and interpret the meaning of the graph.

4. Find the functional form of velocity.

Ex.
Finding the functional form of velocity.
The position of a particle is given by x(t) = 3.0t + 0.5t3 m.
Strategy: use
dx(t)/dt = nAtn − 1
Solution:
v(t) = dx(t)/dt= 3.0 + 1.5t2 m/s

5. What is the instantaneous velocity at t = 0.25 s, t = 0.50 s, and t = 1.0 s?

Strategy: Substitute time to the functional form of velocity derived.

6. Plot the calculated values in the velocity

v(t) vs. time (t) graph
v(t) (m/s)

7. What can you say about the magnitude and direction at t = 0.25 s, t = 0.50 s, and
t = 1.0 s? Describe and interpret the meaning of the graph.

8
 8. Find the functional form of acceleration.

Ex.

Strategy: use
dx(t)/dt = nAtn − 1.

Solution:
a(t) = dv(t)/dt= 3t m/s2

9. What is the instantaneous acceleration?

10. Plot the calculated value in the

acceleration a(t) vs. time (t) graph.
Interpret the meaning of the graph.

AVERAGE VELOCITY AND INSTANTANEOUS VELOCITY

The first part of the activity tells us that the average and instantaneous velocity of the
moving object can be determined by calculating the slope and that, the velocity vs. time graph
can be derived from it.

Average velocity is defined as displacement divided by elapsed time. If x1, t1 and x2, t2 are
two position time points, the average velocity between these points is

The quantity that tells us how fast an object is moving anywhere along its path is known
as instantaneous velocity. It is a continuous function of time and gives the velocity at any
point in time during a particle’s motion. We can calculate the instantaneous velocity at a
specific time by taking the derivative of the position function, which gives us the functional
form of instantaneous velocity v(t).

9
 The slope of a position-versus-time graph at a specific time gives instantaneous
velocity at that time.The graph of position as a function of time for straight-line motion, the
instantaneous velocity at any point is equal to the slope of the tangent to the curve at that
point.

Rules for the sign of Velocity

If the x-coordinate is: …the x-velocity is:
Positive & increasing Positive: Particle is
(getting more positive) moving in +x-direction

Positive & decreasing Negative: Particle I

(getting less negative) moving in –x-direction

Negative & Increasing Positive: Particle is

(getting less negative) moving in +x-direction

Negative & decreasing Negative: Particle is

(getting more negative) moving is in -x-direction

Source: Young and Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics

Instantaneous velocity problem

The position of a particle is given by x(t) = 3.0t + 0.5t3 m. Find the instantaneous
velocity at t = 2.0 s.

Since object in real world move continuously and changing, it is necessary to

determine the velocity of an object at any single point (instantaneous velocity). To do this, we
first get the derivative of position with respect to time using the power rule (d/dx xn = nAtn− 1).
Get the first derivative
v(t) = dx(t)/dt = 3 + 1.5t2 m/s

Substitute t = 2s to the equation

v(t) = [3 + 1.5 (2) 2] m/s
v(t) = 9 m/s
The instantaneous velocity at t = 2s is 9 m/s
Constant velocity and changing velocity

Figure 1a: Object with constant velocity Figure b: Object with changing velocity
A
10
 Any moving object having constant velocity exhibits a straight line graph (figure 1a)
while an object having varying velocity (accelerating) exhibit a curve line (figure 1b). You can
describe the motion of an object by looking at its slope in the graph. Whatever characteristics
the velocity has, the slope will exhibit the same. If the velocity is constant, then the slope is
constant (i.e., a straight line). If the velocity is changing, then the slope is changing (i.e., a
curved line). If the velocity is positive, then the slope is positive (i.e., moving upwards and to
the right). Below are some few useful properties of slopes.

A
B C D

Figure 2: Properties of slope

A. Slow, Rightward (+), Constant Velocity

B. Fast, Rightward (+), Constant Velocity
C. Slow, Leftward (-) Constant Velocity
D. Fast, Leftward (-) Constant Velocity
AVERAGE ACCELERATION AND INSTATANEOUS ACCELERATION
Average acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes given by the formula:

While Instantaneous acceleration a(t) is a continuous function of time and gives the
acceleration at any specific time during the motion. It is calculated from the derivative of the
velocity function. Instantaneous acceleration is the slope of the velocity-versus-time graph.

Rules for the sign of Acceleration

If velocity is: …acceleration is:
Positive & increasing Positive: Particle is moving in +x-direction
(getting more positive) &speeding up

Positive & decreasing Negative: Particle is moving in +x-direction

(getting less positive) & slowing down

Negative & increasing Positive: Particle is moving in –x-direction

(getting less negative) & slowing down

Negative & decreasing Negative: Particle is moving in –x-direction

(getting more negative) speeding up

Source: Young and Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics

Instantaneous velocity sample problem cont…

In the problem earlier, we are able to determine the instantaneous velocity by getting
the velocity function. If we continue the process, we could determine the acceleration function.
11
By getting the second derivative:
v(t) = 3 + 1.5t2 m/s2
a(t) = dv(t)/d(t) = 3t m/s2
Substitute t = 2s to the equation:
a(2) = [3 (2)] m/s2
a(t) = 6 m/s2
Another useful concept is the principle of concavity. Concavity relates to the rate of
change of a function's derivative. Concave upward is when the slope increases while concave
downward is when the slope decreases.

Figure 3: Concave upward, positive (left) and Concave downward, negative (right)
Source: https://www.mathsisfun.com/calculus/concave-up-down-convex.html#slope

By taking the second derivative f’’(x), we can tell whether the slope is continually
increasing and decreasing. If f ''(x) > 0 for all x in interval, then the graph of f (x) is concave
upward on interval. If f ''(x) < 0 for all x in I, then the graph of f (x) is concave downward on I.

To make it simple, if the tangent to the y vs. x slopes upward to the right its slope
is positive, the velocity is positive, and the motion is in the positive direction (figure 3,
left). If the tangent slopes downward to the right, the slope of the y vs. x graph and the
velocity are negative, and the motion is in the negative direction. When the tangent is
horizontal, the slope and the x-velocity are zero.

Figure 4: position vs. time graph and motion diagram of a particle

Source: Young and Freedman University Physics with Modern Physics

12
 In the problem you answered earlier, you are able to arrive at velocity vs. time and
acceleration vs. time graph by solving for the slope. This is possible since the slope of the
position vs. time graph is equal to velocity and the slope of the velocity vs. time graph
is equal acceleration (figure 5).

Another important concept to remember is the derivative. It is use to analyze the motion
along a line. If we take the derivative of position, we can get the velocity (change in
position). If we take the derivative of the velocity, we can find the acceleration (change
in velocity).

Position → Velocity → Acceleration

x(t) = 3.0t + 0.5t3 m → v(t) = 3 + 1.5t2 m/s → a(t) = 3t m/s2

Figure 5: The slopes of motion graphs

Source: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Mechanics/motgraph.html

In the figure above, you can easily tell the relationship between position, velocity and
acceleration (figure 5). The first section shows the changing position (concave upward),
therefore, its velocity has a positive slope and positive acceleration (speeding up). The second
section has a constant slope, therefore, its velocity is constant and has no acceleration (no
change in velocity) and so on.

13
For more exciting examples, you can visit the link.

Figure 6: Match that graph, Concept Builder

Source: https://www.physicsclassroom.com/Concept-Builders/Kinematics/Match-That-
Graph/Concept-Builder

Figure 7: The moving man

Source: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/cheerpj/moving-man/latest/movingman.
html?simulation=moving-man

You can also verify your graphs in the explore and elaborate section by using these
simulations.

PART A
Direction: Solve the problem below.
A particle is in motion and is accelerating. The functional form of the velocity is v(t) = 20t − 5t2
m/s.

1. Find the instantaneous velocity at t = 1, 2, 3, and 5 s.

14
 2. Plot the calculated values at the v(t) vs. time (t) graph.

3. Find the functional form of acceleration.

4. Find the instantaneous acceleration at t = 1, 2, 3, and 5 s.

5. Plot the calculated values at a(t) vs. time (t) graph.

6. Interpret the results of (number 4) in terms of the directions of the acceleration and
velocity vectors.
Ex.

At t = 1 s, velocity v(1s) = 15 m/s is positive and acceleration is positive, so both

velocity and acceleration are in the same direction. The particle is moving faster.
The numerical analysis complements the graphical analysis in giving a total clearer view of
the motion.

15
PART B.
7. Direction: Describe the object’s velocity for each segment of the position versus time
graph below. State the direction of motion (positive or negative), and describe the
speed (constant, slow, or fast) or state if the object is at rest.

1. Direction: Describe the object’s velocity for each segment of the position versus time
graph below. State the direction of motion (positive or negative), and describe the
speed (constant, increasing, or decreasing) or state if the object is at rest.

16
 2. Create and label the corresponding velocity versus time graph for the position versus
time graph in the previous question.

3. Create and label the corresponding acceleration versus time graph for the velocity
versus time graph in the previous question.

4. Direction: Complete the series of graphs shown for displacement vs. time, velocity vs.
time, and acceleration vs. time.

A B C

17
 5. Direction: Complete the other two graphs based on the one provided:

Congratulations in finishing the supplementary

learning module! You just had an amazing learning
journey, for sure, you will have the same experience in
the succeeding modules.

The following terms used in this module are defined as

follows:

average -the rate of change in velocity; the change in velocity over time
acceleration
average speed - the total distance traveled divided by elapsed time
average velocity - the displacement divided by the time over which displacement
occurs under constant acceleration
displacement - the change in position of an object
elapsed time -the difference between the ending time and the beginning time
instantaneous -acceleration at a specific point in time
acceleration
instantaneous - the velocity at a specific instant or time point
velocity
kinematics -the description of motion through properties such as position, time,
velocity, and acceleration
position - the location of an object at a particular time

18
1. t = 1 and t = 4
2. t=9
3. t = 4 and t = 9
4. t=0 to t=1 and t=9 to t=11
5. 3+1.5t2
6. 9m/s

PART A

1.

2. constant velocity has straight line while changing motion has a curve kline
3. graph a is constant while graph b is changing
4. The slope of a position graph represents the velocity of the object so by analyzing it,
we can tell whether the object is in motion, increasing or decreasing
PART B

Description Position vs. time

1. Constant velocity
positive velocity

19
 2. Constant velocity
slow, rightward (+)

3. Constant velocity
Slow, leftward (-)

4. Positive, slow to fast

5. Constant velocity
Fast, leftward (-)

Description Velocity vs. time

6. Positive velocity
Zero acceleration

7. Positive Velocity
Positive Acceleration

PART A
1. 1m/s, Constant and positive velocity
2. 0 m/s, No velocity (stationary)
3. No velocity

20
 4. -0.5 m/s, constant and negative velocity (indicating opposite direction)

5.

6. The unknown object is either having constant velocity or zero velocity

7. 0 m/s2
8. 0 m/s2
9. 0 m/s2
10. constant velocity means zero acceleration

PART B.
1. 0.6 m, 0.8, 0

2.

3. If a tangent line is put tangent line on each interval, it can be seen that they are
parallel to the curve which give us an insight that they have a constant motion.
4. 3 – 6t
5. 1.5m/s, 0m/s, -3
21
 6.

7. The negative slope indicates a negative velocity.

8. -6
9. -6

10.

11. The object is moving in a constant acceleration (-).

PART A
1. 15 m/s, 20 m/s, 15m/s and -25m/s

22
2.

3. 20-10t
4. 10m/s2, 0m/s2, -10m/s2 and -30m/s2
5.

6. At t = 1s, the calculated velocity and acceleration (the same direction), therefore, the
particle is moving faster.
At t = 2s, the velocity of the particle has increased to 20 m/s while the acceleration
dropped to 0. This is an indication that the particle is at its maximum velocity.
At t = 3s, the particle’s velocity has reduced to 15m/s and the acceleration is negative.
It only means that the particle is moving slower compared before.
At =5s, velocity and acceleration is negative. This means that the object is moving at
faster in the opposite direction.

PART B.

7. A. Negative, constant, slow

B. At rest
C. Negative, constant, slow
D. Positive, constant and slow

23
 1.
A. Positive, Constant, increasing
B. At rest
C. Negative, Decreasing
D. Negative, Increasing

2.

3.

4.

24
5.

25
Graphical Analysis of One Dimensional Motion.(n.d.) retrieved from
https://openstax.org/books/college-physics/pages/2-8-graphical-
analysis-of-one-dimensional-motion#import-auto-id2574769

Graphical Analysis of One Dimensional Motion. (n.d.) retrieved from

https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/College_Physics/Book%3A_Col
lege_Physics_(OpenStax)/02%3A_Kinematics/2.09%3A_Graphical_An
alysis_of_One-Dimensional_Motion

Kinematics. (n.d.) retrieved from

https://phys.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/College_Physics/Book%3A_Col
lege_Physics_(OpenStax)/02%3A_Kinematics/2.0E%3A_2.E%3A_Kin
ematics_(Exercises)

Velocity vs. Time Graph.(n.d.) retrieved from https://cnx.org/contents/-

e4nX9kw@2/Velocity- vs- Time-Graphs#Figure_02_04_drive

Motion Graphs (n.d.)

http://hyperphysics.phyastr.gsu.edu/hbase/Mechanics/motgraph.html

Ling, S. J., Loyola, J. S., & Moebs, W. (2018). University Physics Volume 1.
Rice University: OpenStax.https://openstax.org/details/books/
universityphysics-volume-1

Young, H. D., & Freedman, R. A. (2012). University Physics with Modern

Physics. San Francisco: Pearson Education Inc.

26