distance-time and velocity-time graphs

what does the gradient of a distance-time graph represent?

speed

what does a flat section on a distance-time graph mean?

the object is stationary (stopped)

what does a straight uphill section on a distance-time graph mean?

the object is travelling at a steady speed

what does a steepening curve on a distance-time graph mean?

the object is accelerating (speeding up)

what does a levelling off curve on a distance-time graph mean?

the object is decelerating (slowing down)

how do you find the speed of an object at a point on a curved distance-time graph?

find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at that point

what does the gradient of a velocity-time graph represent?

acceleration

what does a flat section on a velocity-time graph mean?

the object is travelling at a steady speed

what does a steeper gradient on a velocity-time graph mean?

greater acceleration or deceleration

what does an uphill section on a velocity-time graph mean?

acceleration

what does a downhill section on a velocity-time graph mean?

deceleration

what does a curve on a velocity-time graph mean?

changing acceleration

how do you find the acceleration of an object at a point on a curved velocity-time graph?

find the gradient of the tangent to the curve at that point

what does the area under a velocity-time graph represent?

distance travelled

how do you find the distance travelled from an irregular section of a velocity-time graph?

count the squares under the line and multiply by the value of one square

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

acceleration = change in velocity ÷ time

how do you calculate distance travelled from a velocity-time graph?

find the area under the graph (split into shapes if needed)