Velocity-Time Graphs Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

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

The acceleration of the object.

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

Constant velocity (steady speed in a straight line), with zero acceleration.

What does a negative gradient on a velocity–time graph show?

The object is decelerating (slowing down).

What are the steps to determine acceleration from a velocity–time graph?

e.g. the line rises from 0 m/s to 12 m/s between 0 s and 4 s

1. Read the change in velocity: 12 m/s
2. Read the time taken: 4 s
3. Acceleration = gradient = $12 \div 4 = 3$ m/s²

What does the velocity–time graph look like for an object that is stationary for 10 s and then accelerates?

A horizontal line along the time axis up to 10 s, then a line with a positive gradient from 10 s.

True or false? A horizontal line on a velocity–time graph means the object is stationary.

False. It means constant velocity; the object is stationary only if that line lies on the time axis.