3.2.14

Distance-Time Graphs

Test yourself

Distance-Time Graphs

We can draw graphs with the axes ‘distance’ and ‘time’ – the gradient will show the speed of an object.

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Distance-time graphs

  • On a distance-time graph, the x-axis shows the ‘time’, normally in seconds.
  • On a distance-time graph, the y-axis shows the ‘distance’, normally in metres.
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Line and gradient

  • The line on the graph represents the speed.
  • The steeper the gradient, the faster the object was going.
  • A straight line with a positive gradient (vertical direction) shows an object at a constant speed.
  • A curved line with a positive gradient shows an object that is accelerating (speeding up).
  • A straight horizontal line shows that an object is stationary (not moving).
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Calculating speed

  • If an object is travelling at a constant speed, you can use distance ÷ time to calculate its average speed.
  • Look at points on the y-axis that the object traveled (the distance) and work out: highest distance – smallest distance.
  • Once you have the distance, read the points on the x-axis for the time it took for the object to travel that distance.
  • Then use the equation: speed = distance ÷ time.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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