Distance-Time Graphs Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What does the gradient of a distance–time graph represent?

The speed of the object.

What motion does a horizontal line on a distance–time graph show?

The object is stationary.

What motion does a curve of increasing gradient on a distance–time graph show?

The object is accelerating (speeding up).

What are the steps to find the speed from a straight section of a distance–time graph?

e.g. the line rises from 0 m to 20 m between 0 s and 4 s

1. Read the change in distance: 20 m
2. Read the change in time: 4 s
3. Speed = gradient = $20 \div 4 = 5$ m/s

When drawing a distance–time graph from measurements, which quantity goes on each axis?

Time on the x-axis (horizontal), distance on the y-axis (vertical).

True or false? A steeper line on a distance–time graph means a greater speed.

True. Speed is the gradient, so a steeper line means faster motion.