velocity-time graphs

• What do velocity time graphs show?

  How an object's velocity changes over time
• How can you differentiate between distance time graphs and velocity time graphs?

  Velocity on y-axis, time on x-axis
• What does the gradient of a velocity time graph represent?

  The acceleration of the object
• If a velocity time graph has a constant positive gradient, what does it indicate?

  Constant acceleration
• What does a constant negative gradient on a velocity time graph indicate?

  Constant deceleration
• How do you calculate acceleration from a velocity time graph?

  Change in velocity over change in time
• What is the acceleration if the change in velocity is 3 m/s and the change in time is 2 s?

  1.5 m/s²
• What does a flat section of a velocity time graph indicate?

  Constant velocity
• What is the velocity during the flat section of the graph if it is 3 m/s?

  3 m/s
• What is the velocity during the fourth stage of the graph?

  5 m/s
• What does a steeper curve in a velocity time graph indicate?

  Increasing rate of acceleration
• How do you find the distance traveled from a velocity time graph?

  Calculate the area under the curve
• How can you calculate the area of a triangle on a graph?

  1/2 base times height
• What is the area of the triangle with base 2 and height 3?

  3 m
• How do you calculate the area of a rectangle on a graph?

  Base times height
• What is the area of a rectangle with base 2 and height 3?

  6 m
• What is the total distance traveled during the first four seconds?

  9 m
• Why is the area under the graph not expressed in square meters?

  It represents distance, not area
• How can you estimate the area under curved parts of the graph?

  Count the number of squares under the curve
• If each square in the grid equals one meter, how many squares are under the curved section?

  Almost 8 squares
• What is the total distance traveled over the two seconds in the curved section?

  Around 8 m
• What are the key differences between distance time graphs and velocity time graphs?

  • Distance time graphs show distance vs. time
  • Velocity time graphs show velocity vs. time
  • Velocity time graphs have acceleration represented by gradient
• What are the steps to calculate distance from a velocity time graph?

  1. Identify sections of the graph
  2. Calculate area of triangles and rectangles
  3. Sum the areas for total distance
• What should you do if the graph has curved sections?

  • Estimate area by counting squares
  • Use grid provided for accuracy