TOPIC 1 - Velocity and acceleration: Including velocity - time graphs (see in graph notebook (1.7) )

Definition of velocity

The speed of an object in a given direction.

Equation linking acceleration, change in velocity, and time taken

acceleration = change in velocity / time taken

What is the purpose of a velocity - time graph?

Shows how an objects velocity changes over time.

Velocity - time graph: STRAIGHT DIAGONAL LINE (upwards)

Object is travelling at constant acceleration.

Velocity - time graph: STRAIGHT HORIZONTAL LINE

Object is travelling at a steady speed.

Velocity - time graph: CURVE

Increasing acceleration.

Velocity - time graph: STRAIGHT DIAGONAL LINE (downwards)

Object is decelerating.

How do you calculate distance travelled on a velocity - time graph?

Area under the graph (the area of all the shapes added together)

Equation linking final speed, initial speed, acceleration and distance moved

(final speed)2 = (initial speed)2 + (2 x acceleration x distance)

Unit of measure for acceleration

m/s squared

Unit of measure for deceleration

- m/s squared