Motion graphs

Distance-time graph

Distance-time graph

A graph with distance on the y-axis and time on the x-axis

Horizontal line on a distance-time graph

Represents a stationary object

Inclined line on a distance-time graph

Represents an object moving at a constant speed

Curved line on a distance-time graph

Represents an object that is accelerating/ decelerating

How to calculate the speed of an object

Gradient of a distance-time graph

Finding speed from a non-linear distance-time graph

Draw a tangent to the curve and find the gradient of the tangent

Velocity-time graph

A graph with velocity on the y-axis and time on the x-axis

Horizontal line on a velocity-time graph

Represents an object moving at a constant speed

Inclined line on a velocity-time graph

Represents an object accelerating at a constant rate

How to calculate the acceleration of an object

Gradient of a velocity-time graph

How to calculate the distance-travelled by an object

Area under a velocity-time graph

Finding distance travelled from a non-linear velocity-time graph

Can be found by counting the squares beneath the line