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 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 40 m between 0 s and 8 s

1. Read the change in distance: 40 m
2. Read the change in time: 8 s
3. Gradient = distance ÷ time = $40 \div 8 = 5$ m/s

What does a horizontal (flat) line on a distance–time graph show?

The object is stationary (not moving).

On a distance–time graph, what does a steeper line show?

A greater speed.

What does a curved line on a distance–time graph show?

The speed is changing — getting steeper means speeding up, less steep means slowing down.

True or false? On a distance–time graph, a line sloping downwards means the object is slowing down.

False. It means the object is moving back towards its starting point.