Read the motion
Position, velocity & acceleration
Connect a moving object to its position–time and velocity–time graphs.
Position, velocity & accelerationTRY IT YOURSELF
Time1.5 s
Position4.125 m
Velocity3.5 m/s
Acceleration1 m/s²
Teal + amber · follow the changing valuesIdealized physics model
What if you changed…
Try a starting point
Give the object positive velocity and negative acceleration. When does it turn around?
See the calculation
x = v₀t + ½at² · v = v₀ + at
- At t = 1.5 s: x = 2 × t + ½ × 1 × t² = 4.13 m.
- v = 2 + 1 × 1.5 = 3.5 m/s.
- End displacement at 6 s = 30 m.
What this model assumes
One-dimensional motion starting at x = 0 with constant acceleration.
Keep an eye on this
Negative acceleration does not always mean slowing down. Compare the signs of velocity and acceleration.
Understand the physics ↗A little question. A clearer picture.
Position, velocity & acceleration: common questions
Wondering about the why? Start here.
What does the slope of a position graph mean?
The slope is velocity. A steeper upward slope means a larger positive velocity; a downward slope means negative velocity.
Is displacement the same as distance?
Displacement is final position minus initial position. Distance is the total length traveled, so reversing direction makes the two different.