But if you calculate the acceleration without the graph, you are explicitly stating that the y-intercept is zero---which it might not be. So there are some actual reasons for making a graph.

Learn the difference between distance, displacement, speed and velocity, and how to calculate distance, speed and acceleration.

In this case, the acceleration is zero m/s 2 (as seen in the graph showing the acceleration) and the tension in the string is just the weight of mass 2 (0.145 kg)*(9.8 N/kg) = 1.421 N. The masses ...

Learn the uses of equations and graphs of motion and how to determine other aspects of the motion of objects. BBC Bitesize Scotland Higher Physics revision.