The first part of the velocity graph says that the slope of this position graph has to increase. This means that it would be a parabola. Or, if you like you can use the following kinematic equation.

If we graph the ball's vertical position over time, we get a familiar shape known as a parabola ... a bit slower than 11.7 ft/sec. That the velocity progressed from faster to slower means there ...

or \(= {ms}^{-2}\). A negative gradient shows the rate of 'slowing down' or deceleration. Velocity-time graphs show velocity on the vertical axis. Acceleration is still represented by the gradient.

This type of curve is called a parabola and it is symmetrical. To draw the graph we need coordinates. We generate these coordinates by substituting values into the quadratic equation. A quadratic ...