Kinematics Graph Matcher (Position-Time)
Drag a runner so its position-time graph matches the target line, then get a score.
Press Start, then drag the runner left and right so its position graph follows the thick target line.
About the Kinematics Graph Matcher (Position-Time)
Free kinematics graph matcher (position-time). Drag a runner so its position-time graph matches the target line, then get a score. Drag, change the sliders and see the result live. No sign-up, works on phone and computer. Built for physics, the kinematics graph matcher (position-time) runs instantly in your browser: change a setting or drag an object and the result updates at once, so you learn by trying things out rather than only reading about them.
Drag a runner so its position-time graph matches the target line, then get a score. Use it to explore physics ideas at your own pace, then check what you found against the key ideas further down this page.
How to use the Kinematics Graph Matcher (Position-Time)
- Use the controls to change Target. The simulation reacts instantly.
- Pick an option such as Steady walk, Stop and go, Back and forth to switch modes or load an example.
- Press "Start", "Reset" to start, reset or change what is happening.
- Where you see a glowing handle, object, weight or atom, drag it with your mouse or finger. Everything responds in real time.
- Watch the readouts and graphs update as you experiment, and compare what you see with the key ideas below.
Things to try
- Match the steady walk with a smooth drag.
- Try the stop-and-go target and pause in the flat part.
- Try to reach a score of 90 or more on the back-and-forth target.
Key ideas you can learn
- The slope of a position-time graph is the velocity.
- A flat line means the object is stopped.
- A steeper line means faster motion; a downward line means moving backwards.
- Matching a graph trains you to read graphs quickly.
Where this is used in the real world
Physics classes, sports analysis, GPS tracking and vehicle data loggers all turn position-versus-time graphs into speed.
Who is this simulation for?
Physics students in middle school, high school and first-year university, teachers who want a quick demonstration for the projector, and anyone revising for exams. It works well for flipped classrooms because students can explore before the lesson.
For teachers: project it on the board, let students predict what will happen, then run it together. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you find velocity from a position-time graph?
Take the slope: change in position divided by change in time.
What does a curved position-time graph mean?
The velocity is changing, so the object is accelerating.
Is the Kinematics Graph Matcher (Position-Time) free to use?
Yes. It is completely free, with no signup, no download and no ads inside the simulation. It runs in your web browser.
Does the Kinematics Graph Matcher (Position-Time) work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. It uses touch as well as the mouse, so you can drag objects with your finger. A larger screen makes the controls easier to see.