Acceleration, distance-time and velocity-time graphs

What is acceleration?

Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity of an object.

How is acceleration calculated?

Acceleration is calculated using the formula: Acceleration = (Final velocity - Initial velocity) / Time.

What is the unit of acceleration?

The unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²).

How is acceleration related to velocity?

Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes over time.

What does a steep slope on a distance-time graph represent?

A steep slope on a distance-time graph represents a faster speed.

How do you calculate the gradient of a distance-time graph?

The gradient (slope) of a distance-time graph is calculated as: Gradient = Change in distance / Change in time.

How do you calculate acceleration from a velocity-time graph?

Acceleration is the gradient of the velocity-time graph.

What does a horizontal line on a velocity-time graph represent?

A horizontal line represents zero acceleration, meaning the object is moving at constant velocity.

What does a straight line on a velocity-time graph represent?

A straight line represents constant acceleration or deceleration, depending on the slope's direction.

What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the constant speed an object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by air resistance.

How does an object reach terminal velocity?

An object reaches terminal velocity when the downward force of gravity is balanced by the upward force of air resistance.

What does a curved line on a distance-time graph indicate?

A curved line indicates that the object’s speed is changing, meaning it is accelerating or decelerating.

What is the relationship between acceleration and velocity?

Acceleration causes a change in velocity. Positive acceleration increases velocity, while negative acceleration (deceleration) decreases velocity.

How does air resistance affect terminal velocity?

Air resistance increases as the object’s velocity increases, eventually balancing the force of gravity at terminal velocity.