Dot diagrams, data tables, graphs, and words all communicate information about the motion of objects. Understanding how the details of each relate to the characteristics of the moving object will allow you to determine which of the given representations is not like the others. Learn more in the How to Think About This Situation​. 
 

There are four similar versions of this question. Each includes four representations - a velocity-time graph, velocity-time table, a dot diagram, and a verbal description. Here is one of the versions:

Version 1:

One of these representations is not like the others. Tap on the one that doesn’t belong.


 

There are four representations. You must choose which one is NOT consistent with the others. Here's information about each representation:

Velocity-Time Graphs: A horizontal line on a velocity-time graph is an indication of a constant velocity motion. And a diagonal line is an indication of a changing velocity motion. A line in the + region of the v-t graph is an indication that the object is moving in the positive (rightward) direction. And a line in the - region of the v-t graph is an indication that the object is moving in the negative (leftward) direction.  Lines that are heading away from the time axis represent speeding up motions. And lines that are approaching the time axis represent slowing down motions. 

Dot Diagrams: Dot diagrams indicate how the position of the object is changing with time. If the dots are equally spaced, then the object is moving with a constant velocity. If the spacing increases over the course of time, then the object is speeding up. If the spacing decreases over the course of time (i.e., the dots get closer and closer to one another), then the object is slowing down. 

Velocity-Time Tables: Constant speed motions and accelerated motions can be represented by numerical values in a  velocity-time table. If the values in the velocity column are the same from row to row, then the velocity is constant. If the values are changing, then the object is either speeding up or slowing down. The absolute value of these velocities are indicators of speeds. If the absolute values are becoming larger, the object is speeding up. A slowing down motion is represented by absolute values that are becoming smaller. If the velocities in the table are listed as + velocities, then a rightward motion is being represented. Negative velocities are used for a leftward motion.  

Verbal Descriptions: Check to see if the verbal descriptions mathes one or more of the other representations. It is often easiest to "translate" the graph, the diagram, and the table into words and then check to see if the translation matches the provided verbal description.
 

The following pages from The Physics Classroom Tutorial may provide additional background information and help with the topics in this Concept Builder:

Dot Diagrams

Position-Time Graphs: Meaning of Shape

Velocity-Time Graphs: Meaning of Shape
 


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