Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs
You can show journeys on distance-time graphs
If an object moves in a straight line, its distance travelled can be plotted on a distance-time graph
- Gradient=speed. This is because speed = distance / time
- Flat sections are where it’s stationary, it’s stopped
- Straight uphill sections mean it is travelling at a steady speed
- Curves represent acceleration or deceleration
- A steepening curve means it’s speeding up(increasing gradient)
- A levelling off curve means it’s slowing down
- If the object is changing speed you can find its speed at a point by finding the gradient of the tangent to the curve at that point
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You can also show them on a velocity-time graph
How an object’s velocity changes as it travels can be plotted on a velocity-time graph
Gradient = acceleration, since acceleration is change in velocity / time
Flat sections represents travelling at a steady speed
The steeper the graph, the greater the acceleration or deceleration
Uphill sections are acceleration
Downhill sections are deceleration
A curve means ~~changing~~ acceleration
The area under any section of the graph is equal to the distance travelled in that time interval
If the section under the graph is irregular, it’s easier to find the area by counting the squares under the line and multiplying the number by the value of one square
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