Grade 12 · Theory
Graphs of projectile motion
Vertical projectile motion · about 3 min
Position, velocity and acceleration graphs for constant acceleration.Position, velocity and acceleration graphs each have a distinctive shape for a projectile.
Key points- Position-time: a parabola, peaking at maximum height.
- Velocity-time: a straight line with constant negative gradient, crossing zero at the top.
- Acceleration-time: a horizontal line at −9,8 m·s⁻².
- The area under the velocity-time graph gives displacement.
- Gradient of v-t — the acceleration.
EXAM TIP
the velocity-time graph crossing the time axis marks the top of the flight — use it to read off the time to maximum height.