Now, take that slope information and plop it onto a new graph. This one has Velocity on the y-axis and Time on the x-axis. For every point on your position graph, ask yourself: “What’s the slope here?”
If the position graph is a straight, flat line (slope = 0), your velocity graph is a flat horizontal line at zero. “You’re not moving, buddy.”
If the position graph is a steep upward line (big positive slope), your velocity graph is a high flat line. If the position graph is a downhill slope (negative slope), your velocity graph dips below zero. Yes, negative velocity means you’re going backward. Don’t be embarrassed—happens to the best of us.
Velocity Time Graph And Position Time Graphs
When the Graph Gets Fancy: Curves & Corners
Let’s say your position graph is a parabola—like a smiley face. That means the slope starts steep, then gets less steep, then goes flat at the top. So your velocity graph is a straight diagonal line that starts high and goes down to zero. Mind blown yet?
And if the position graph has a sharp corner (like a V-shape)? That means the slope changes instantly. Your velocity graph will have a jump—a sudden change. It’s like your friend stops dead and turns around. No smooth transitions; just a hard stop. Kind of like realizing you forgot your keys.
