Distance-time and velocity-time graphs
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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.
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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.
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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.