Force & Motion Graphs

Position-time, velocity-time, and acceleration-time graphs

A position-time graph shows where an object is. A straight line means constant velocity; a curve means acceleration. The slope of the x-t graph gives velocity. A velocity-time graph shows how fast the object moves. A horizontal line means constant velocity (no acceleration); a sloped line means constant acceleration. The slope of the v-t graph gives acceleration, and the area under it gives displacement. When net force is zero, velocity is constant. When friction opposes motion, the net force is F_applied - f_friction, and the object decelerates when the applied force is removed.