Distance-time graphs

This lesson covers: 

  1. What distance-time graphs show
  2. Interpreting distance-time graphs

What are distance-time graphs?

Distance-time graph showing how distance travelled by an object changes over time.

A distance-time graph shows how the distance travelled by an object changes over time.

The line on the graph shows the relationship between distance and time for a moving object.

We can use distance-time graphs to find out information about objects in motion.

Interpreting distance-time graphs

Distance-time graph illustrating motion with sections for moving away from start point, stopped, moving towards start point, and changing speed.

There are several key features of distance-time graphs that tell us about an object's motion:

  1. Slope - The steepness of the graph line relates to speed.
  2. Flat sections - Where the line is flat (zero gradient), the object is stopped.
  3. Downhill sections - When the line slopes down, the object moves back toward the starting point.
  4. Curves - Curved sections mean changing speed.

Relating graph features to motion

Graph illustrating distance-time with sections showing high speed, low speed, accelerating, and decelerating.

We can link graph features to details about an object's motion:

  1. Steeper slopes mean faster speed.
  2. Gentler slopes mean slower speed.
  3. Steepening curves indicate accelerating.
  4. Levelling-off curves indicate decelerating.