Distance-Time & Speed-Time Graphs

Distance-Time Graphs

• Distance-time graphs illustrate the distance from a fixed point at various time intervals.
  • The vertical axis represents distance, while the horizontal axis signifies time.
• The gradient of the graph corresponds to the speed of the object.
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• A positive gradient indicates the object is moving away from the starting point.
• A horizontal line denotes that the object is stationary.
• A negative gradient suggests the object is moving towards the starting point.
• A straight line on the graph indicates a constant speed.
• If the graph is curved, you can draw a tangent at a specific point to estimate the speed at that moment.
• Example: Consider a car traveling from point A to point B. The distance-time graph would show the distance covered by the car at different times during the journey.

Speed-Time Graphs

• Speed-time graphs provide information about speed at different times, with speed on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis.
• The gradient of the graph represents acceleration, calculated
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• If the graph is a curve, you can estimate the acceleration at a point by drawing the tangent at that point and finding its gradient.
• A positive gradient indicates positive acceleration, meaning the object is speeding up.
• A horizontal line on a speed-time graph signifies constant speed, indicating no acceleration.
• A negative gradient indicates negative acceleration or deceleration, meaning the object is slowing down.
• The distance covered can be determined by finding the area under the graph.