---

Positive Velocity and Negative Acceleration

Observe that the object below moves in the positive direction with a changing velocity. An object which moves in the positive direction has a positive velocity. If the object is slowing down then its acceleration vector is directed in the opposite direction as its motion (in this case, a negative acceleration). The "ticker tape" shows that each consecutive dot is not the same distance apart (i.e., a changing velocity). The position-time graph shows that the slope is changing (meaning a changing velocity) and positive (meaning a positive velocity). The velocity-time graph shows a line with a negative (downward) slope (meaning that there is a negative acceleration); the line is located in the positive region of the graph (corresponding to a positive velocity). The acceleration-time graph shows a horizontal line in the negative region of the graph (meaning a negative acceleration).

---

For more information on physical descriptions of motion, visit The Physics Classroom. Specific information is available there on the following topics:

• Ticker Tape Diagrams
• Meaning of Acceleration
• Position-Time Graphs
• Velocity-Time Graphs

Other animations can be seen at the Multimedia Physics Studios. Other useful resources regarding the physics of motion is available through the Glenbrook South Physics Home Page.