1. Physics Unit 2 Constant Velocity
Motion Maps

2. Motion Maps
Motion maps are another way to represent the motion of an object. (other representations are graphical and mathematical models).
Motion maps are a visual way to represent an object’s motion at various time.

3. Motion Maps
How would you describe the position of the car moving with a constant velocity over time?

4. Motion Maps
To make a motion map of the car’s motion, you need to draw an arrow representing positive direction.
The beginning of the arrow is the reference point. X

5. Motion Maps
If the object is moving, its position will change over time. If the object is stationary, its position will remain the same as time increases
On a motion map, this is illustrated by a signal dot on the position arrow.
Constant Positive Velocity X
Stationary X

6. Motion Maps
The object’s constant velocity is indicated by two things: The displacement between the points are constant, and the arrows indicating the object’s velocity are the same length.
If the object is stationary, then the velocity is zero and there is not arrow indicating the velocity
Constant Positive Velocity X X
Stationary

7. Motion Maps
If the velocity of the object increases, then the arrows representing velocity should be longer and the displacement between the points should be greater.
large positive constant velocity X

8. Motion Maps
If the object begins at some positive position in front of the reference point and moves toward the reference point, the velocity will be negative and the velocity arrows on the motion map point left instead of right.
Negative constant velocity X

9. Motion Maps
A motion map for an object moving to the right with a constant velocity, stops for two seconds, and then moves with a slower constant velocity to the left. X