Distance–time, speed–time and velocity–time graphs

Overview

The axes of motion graphs, gradients of distance–time and velocity–time graphs, standing still, constant speed and acceleration, the area under a velocity–time graph, deceleration, the elite 100 m sprinter and timing gates.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Which quantities go on the axes of a graph of motion?

   Model answer

   Time goes on the horizontal x-axis. Distance, speed or velocity goes on the vertical y-axis.

2. 2

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

   Model answer

   The gradient of a distance–time graph shows speed. A steeper line means a greater speed.

3. 3

   Describe the distance–time graph of a performer standing still.

   Model answer

   The line is horizontal, parallel to the time axis. The distance does not change, so the gradient and the speed are zero.

4. 4

   What shape of distance–time graph shows a constant speed?

   Model answer

   A constant speed gives a straight line sloping upwards. The gradient stays the same throughout.

5. 5

   How does a distance–time graph show a sprinter accelerating out of the blocks?

   Model answer

   The line curves upwards, becoming steeper as time passes. An increasing gradient means the speed is increasing.

6. 6

   A cyclist's distance–time graph is a straight line from 0 m at 0 s to 200 m at 20 s. What is the cyclist's speed?

   Model answer

   The cyclist's speed is 10 m/s. The gradient = 200 m ÷ 20 s = 10 m/s.

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