Distance-time and velocity-time graphs
Select Lesson
Exam Board
Select an option
Physics practicals
Investigating force and acceleration
Investigating waves in different materials
Investigating refraction in glass prisms
Investigating I-V characteristics
Investigating series and parallel circuits
Investigating the densities of solids and liquids
Investigating the specific heat capacity
Investigating the specific latent heat of melting ice
Investigating elasticity
Matter
Magnetic fields
Electricity and circuits
Radioactivity
Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum
Conservation of energy
Motion and forces
Working scientifically
Explainer Video
Summary
Distance-time and velocity-time graphs
In a nutshell
Both distance-time graphs and velocity-time graphs can be useful in finding out more about the motion of an object. In a distance-time graph, the distance travelled is plotted on the -axis and time is plotted on the -axis. Similarly, a velocity-time graph has velocity plotted on the -axis and time plotted on the -axis.
Distance/time graphs
In a distance-time graph, the gradient of the graph is the speed of the object. The features on the distance-time graph gives information about how the motion of the object is changing.
 |
|
Feature | Description |
| 1. | A straight line section means that the object is moving with a constant speed. Positive gradient indicates the object is moving away from the origin, while a negative gradient means it is travelling towards it. A steeper gradient means the object is moving faster. |
| 2. | A flat section means the object has stopped moving. |
| 3. | A curved section means that the object is changing speed. A steeping curve means the object is accelerating. |
| 4. | A curve that is levelling off means the object is decelerating. |
Velocity/time graphs
In a velocity-time graph, the gradient of the graph is the acceleration of the object. Acceleration is how quickly an object is speeding up, these graphs may be a bit more tricky to interpret.
 |
|
Feature | Description |
| 1. | A straight line section with a positive gradient means that the object is constantly getting faster. It is undergoing constant acceleration. |
| 2. | A curved section means that the object is changing acceleration. |
| 3. | A flat section means that the object is moving at a constant velocity. In other words, the object is not changing speed or changing direction. |
| 4. | A straight line section with a negative gradient means that the object is slowing down at a constant rate. The object is said to be decelerating or experiencing constant deceleration. |
A very useful property of velocity-time graphs is that the area under the graph is the distance travelled by the object. To find the distance travelled over a specific time interval, the area under the graph can be calculated during that particular time interval.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the area under a velocity-time graph?
The area under a velocity-time graphis the distance travelled by the object.
What does a curve mean in a velocity-time graph?
If a velocity-time graph has a curve in it, it means that the object is changing acceleration.
What does a curve mean on a distance-time graph?
If a distance-time graph has a curve in it, it means that the object is changing speed.