SPM Physics: AHA! Graphs – Same Shape, Different Physics!

Two graphs can look identical in shape but represent different physics meanings.

Displacement-Time Graph (s vs t):

• Gradient = Velocity

• Straight line sloping upward → object moving with uniform velocity

• Horizontal line → object at rest
  👉 Focus on the gradient.

Velocity-Time Graph (v vs t):

• Gradient = Acceleration

• Area under graph = Displacement

• Straight line sloping upward → object moving with uniform acceleration

• Horizontal line → object moving with constant velocity
  👉 Check both gradient and area.

SPM traps:

❌ Gradient of v–t graph = velocity (wrong)

✅ Gradient of v–t graph = acceleration (correct)

❌ Area under s–t graph = displacement (wrong)

✅ Area under v–t graph = displacement (correct)

Key clue: Always check the y-axis first, not the curve shape.

AHA! Same shape, different physics. Not by sight, but by INSIGHT!
 

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