Distance time graphs

• What can you determine from a distance time graph?

  An object's speed
• What should higher tier students be able to use to determine the speed of an accelerating object?

  A tangent
• What key fact is mentioned about objects moving in a straight line?

  Distance can be represented by a graph
• What are the axes of the distance time graph?

  Distance on the y-axis, time on the x-axis
• How do you represent the first part of the journey on the graph?

  Place a dot at 100 m and 100 seconds
• What does the gradient of a distance time graph represent?

  The object's speed
• How do you calculate the speed from the graph?

  Divide distance traveled by time taken
• What is the speed for the first part of the journey if the distance is 120 m and time is 60 seconds?

  $2 \text{ m/s}$
• What is the speed for the second part of the journey if the distance is 40 m and time is 130 seconds?

  $0.3 \text{ m/s}$
• What does an upward sloping curve on a distance time graph indicate?

  The object is accelerating
• How do you determine the speed of an object at a specific point on the graph?

  Draw a tangent and calculate the gradient
• If the distance at 100 seconds is 140 m and time is 80 seconds, what is the speed?

  $1.75 \text{ m/s}$
• What are the steps to plot a distance time graph for a journey?

  1. Place a dot at (0 m, 0 seconds)
  2. Place a dot at the first distance and time
  3. Place a dot for any stops at the same distance
  4. Place a dot for the second distance and time
  5. Connect the dots with straight lines
• What is the process to calculate speed from a distance time graph?

  1. Identify the distance traveled
  2. Identify the time taken
  3. Use the formula: Speed = Distance / Time
• What are the key features of a distance time graph?

  • Distance on the y-axis
  • Time on the x-axis
  • Gradient represents speed
  • Straight lines indicate constant speed