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Distance-Time Graphs

Physics: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.1.8

Distance-Time Graphs - Speed

An object’s speed is shown by the gradient (slope) of the distance-time graph.

Increasing speed

Increasing speed

  • If an object’s speed increases, the object will travel a longer distance in the same amount of time.
  • The slope (gradient) of the distance-time graph will become steeper.
Decreasing speed

Decreasing speed

  • If an object’s speed decreases, then the object will travel a shorter distance in the same amount of time.
  • The slope (gradient) of the distance-time graph will become less steep.

Test yourself on Distance-Time Graphs

  • If an object travels 15 metres in 5 seconds, what is the slope of its distance-time graph?

  • What is the speed in the middle section of the distance-time graph?

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