5.1.8

Speed-Time Graphs

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Speed-Time Graphs

The gradient of a speed-time graph shows an object’s acceleration.

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Straight lines

  • A straight line on a speed-time graph shows that an object’s acceleration is constant.
    • A horizontal line shows that an object is not accelerating.
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Curved lines

  • A curved line shows that an object is accelerating or decelerating at a rate that is not constant.

Area Under a Velocity-Time Graph

The area under a velocity-time graph is equal to the distance travelled by an object. To find the area under the graph, break it down into small shapes and add the areas of the shapes.

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Area of a triangle

  • The area of a triangle = 0.5 x base x height.
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Area of a rectangle

  • The area of a rectangle = base x height.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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