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Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Distance-Time Graphs

A graph depicting how the distance of an object, moving linearly from a starting point, changes with time.
Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Constant Speed on a Distance-Time Graph

  • Distance-time graphs also provide the following details:
  • They indicate if the object is moving at a constant speed and the magnitude of that speed.
  • They reveal whether the object is moving at a constant pace.
  • A straight line on a distance-time graph signifies constant speed.
  • The steepness of the line indicates the speed of the object:
    • A very steep slope suggests the object is moving quickly.
    • A gentle slope indicates the object is moving slowly.
    • A flat, horizontal line shows that the object is stationary. (not moving) 

Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

This graph illustrates how the slope of a line on a distance-time graph reveals the speed of moving objects. Objects moving at a constant speed will result in straight lines on the graph.

Objects Moving at Changing Speeds:

  • This occurs when objects move at varying speeds, depicted by curves on a graph.

Slope Variation Indicates Speed Change:

  • When the slope of a line changes, it signifies a change in speed.
  • If the slope increases, the speed accelerates. Conversely, if it decreases, the speed decelerates.
  • The illustration below displays two distinct objects in motion with varying velocities:

Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Using Distance-Time Graphs

  • The speed of an object in motion can be determined by examining the slope of the line on a distance-time graph.

Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11Distance-Time Graphs | Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

  • The ascent represents alterations in y (distance) measurements.
  • The horizontal movement signifies adjustments in x (time) values.

Question for Distance-Time Graphs
Try yourself:
What does a flat, horizontal line on a distance-time graph indicate?
View Solution

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FAQs on Distance-Time Graphs - Physics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. What is a distance-time graph?
2. How can you determine the speed of an object from a distance-time graph?
Ans. The speed of an object can be determined from a distance-time graph by calculating the slope of the graph. The slope is calculated by dividing the change in distance by the change in time. This will give you the speed of the object at any given point on the graph.
3. What does a horizontal line on a distance-time graph represent?
Ans. A horizontal line on a distance-time graph represents that the object is at rest or not moving. The distance remains constant over time, indicating that the object is not changing its position.
4. How can you calculate the distance traveled by an object from a distance-time graph?
Ans. The distance traveled by an object can be calculated by finding the area under the distance-time graph. This can be done by dividing the graph into shapes (such as rectangles or triangles) and calculating the area of each shape. Adding up the areas of all the shapes will give you the total distance traveled.
5. How can you tell if an object is accelerating or decelerating from a distance-time graph?
Ans. You can tell if an object is accelerating or decelerating from a distance-time graph by looking at the shape of the graph. If the graph has a steeper slope over time, the object is accelerating. If the graph has a flatter slope over time, the object is decelerating.
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