Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs

• Distance-Time Graphs:

  • Gradient = Speed
  • Flat sections = Stationary
  • Straight uphill sections = Steady speed
  • Curves = Acceleration/ Deceleration
  • Steepening curve = Speeding up
  • Levelling off curve = Slowing down
  • If the object is changing speed, you can find its speed at a point by finding the gradient of the tangent to the curve at that point
• Velocity-Time Graphs:

  • Gradient = Acceleration
  • Flat sections = Steady speed
  • The steeper the graph, the greater the acceleration or deceleration
  • Uphill sections = Acceleration
  • Downhill sections = Deceleration
  • Curve = Changing acceleration
  • The area under any section of the graph is equal to the distance travelled in that time interval