Introduction
 

Motion graphs provide a visual way of describing how an object's motion changes over time. By interpreting displacement–time and velocity–time graphs, students can determine important physical quantities such as displacement, velocity and acceleration. These graphs are fundamental to understanding motion and are used extensively throughout the AQA A Level Physics course.

In this topic, students learn how to interpret motion graphs, calculate gradients and areas, and apply this knowledge to analyse the motion of objects in a wide range of examination questions.
 

AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.2.3.2 Motion Along a Straight Line
 

What You Need to Know
 

• Interpret displacement–time graphs.

• Calculate velocity from the gradient of a displacement–time graph.

• Interpret velocity–time graphs.

• Calculate acceleration from the gradient of a velocity–time graph.

• Calculate displacement from the area under a velocity–time graph.

• Distinguish between positive and negative gradients.

• Interpret graphs showing stationary objects, constant velocity and constant acceleration.

• Analyse changes in motion using graphical data.

• Apply motion graphs to solve examination questions involving kinematics.
   

Downloadable Topic Pack
 

Motion Graphs Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
 

Related Topics
 

• Motion with Constant Acceleration Along a Straight Line

• Scalars, Vectors and Resultant Forces

• Projectile Motion & Free Fall

• Newton's Laws of Motion

• Momentum