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Converting Between Motion Graphs

Jamie Z 2024-06-17

Learning Goals

  • To be able to convert motion graphs “forwards” and “backwards”

Motion Graphs

  • Displacement - Gradient shows velocity
  • Velocity - Gradient shows acceleration

How to Convert Graphs Forwards

In order to convert graphs “forward” from displacement to velocity and velocity to acceleration

  1. Separate the gradient into different sections (when the gradient changes) and note the time periods where the gradient changes
  2. Calculate the gradient of each section
  3. Construct the converted graph using the calculated section

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How to Convert Graphs Backwards

In order to convert the graphs “Backwards” from acceleration to velocity to displacement

  1. Separate the gradient into different sections, note the time periods where the gradient changes
  2. Calculate the area of the new section, some areas may be “negative” but recall that negative is an indication of direction
  3. To calculate the new value, it must be added to the previous value (it’ll be easier to put the calculations in a table).
  4. Construct the converted graph, using the calculated section.

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