(Any kind of line drawn on a graph is called a curve. Note first that the graphs are all straight. Three different curves are included on the graph to the right, each with an initial position of zero.

Let's begin by graphing some examples of motion at a constant velocity. Graphs of motion come in several types depending on which of the kinematic quantities (time, position, velocity, acceleration) are assigned to which axis. Graphs are often the best way to convey descriptions of real world events in a compact form. Sometimes you need a picture to show what's going on - a mathematical picture called a graph. Since, as I rightly pointed out, 'no object has ever traveled in a straight line with constant acceleration anywhere in the universe at any time' these equations are only approximately true, only once in a while.Įquations are great for describing idealized situations, but they don't always cut it. You should recall that the three (or four) equations presented in that section were only valid for motion with constant acceleration along a straight line. Think back to the previous section on the equations of motion.

When it comes to depth, nothing beats an equation. All of these relationships can now be written in a single equation. Galileo's description of an object moving with constant speed (perhaps the first application of mathematics to motion) required one definition, four axioms, and six theorems. Equations can easily contain the information equivalent of several sentences. Modern mathematical notation is a highly compact way to encode ideas.

What is the origin graphing