Velocity Time Graphs - Key Terms

acceleration

the change in speed or velocity of an object over a certain time

deceleration

the slowing down in speed or velocity of an object over a certain time

what does a gradient of a line in a velocity time graph mean?

that the person/vehicle is gradually increasing it’s speed - therefore accelerating

what does a gradient of a line in a distance time graph mean?

the the person/vehicle is moving at a constant speed

what does a straight line indicate on a velocity time graph?

that the person/vehicle is moving at a constant speed

what does a straight line indicate on a distance time graph?

that the person/vehicle is stationary - no longer moving

what does a gradient on a line going downwards on a velocity time graph mean?

that the person/vehicle is decelerating - gradually decreasing their speed

what does a gradient on a line going downwards on a distance time graph mean?

that the person/vehicle is at a constant speed going back to their original position

what is the equation for acceleration?

final velocity - initial velocity / time taken

how do you find the change in velocity?

final velocity - initial velocity