A position-time graph is a powerful tool that shows an object’s location over time, allowing you to quickly determine its velocity and direction of motion.

What is a Position-Time Graph?

A position-time graph shows an object’s position on the vertical (y) axis and time on the horizontal (x) axis.

  • Position: Tells you where the object is.
  • Time: Tells you when the object is at that position.

By looking at the line on the graph, you can figure out:

  • Where the object started.
  • Where it is at any given time.
  • If it’s moving forward, backward, or standing still.
  • How fast it’s moving (its velocity).

Interactive: Graph Shapes, Motion Stories

Watch how different types of motion create unique shapes on a position-time graph!

Position-Time Graph Animator An interactive animation showing an object's motion and its corresponding position-time graph, controlled by user input. Motion Track: -10m -5m 0m (Start) +5m +10m Pos: 0m Position-Time Graph: Time (s) Position (m) 0 +10 -10 0

Click "Next Example" to see how different types of motion create unique graph shapes!

Interactive Match: Position-Time Graphs

Test your understanding of key terms related to position-time graphs by matching them with their meanings.

Click a term and then its matching meaning. Match all pairs to complete!

Reading Position-Time Graphs

The slope (steepness) of the line on a position-time graph tells you about the object’s velocity (how fast it’s moving and in what direction).

  • Horizontal line (slope = 0): The object is at rest (not moving). Its position is not changing.
  • Straight, sloped line: The object is moving at a constant velocity.
    • Upward slope: Moving in the positive direction.
    • Downward slope: Moving in the negative direction.
  • Curved line: The object’s velocity is changing, meaning it is accelerating.

Audio Explanation

Prefer to listen? Here's a quick audio summary of position-time graphs.

💡 Quick Concept Check:

On a position-time graph, what does a horizontal line tell you about the object's motion?

Click to Reveal Answer
A horizontal line on a position-time graph means the object's position is not changing, so it is **at rest** (not moving).

Ready to put your understanding of position-time graphs into practice? Check out these related skills:

Practice Problems

Test your understanding and apply what you've learned with these problems.

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