Velocity-Time Graphs

This lesson covers:

  1. How to read velocity / time graphs

On a velocity / time graph, the velocity is on the -axis, and the time is on the -axis.

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A flat line on the velocity / time graph tells us the object is moving at constant .

velocity

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The gradient of a velocity / time graph tells us:

The distance travelled by the object

The acceleration or deceleration of the object

The amount of time elapsed

The velocity of the object

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Graph showing a velocity-time graph with a constant speed of 4 m/s over 8 seconds.

The above velocity / time graph shows an object which is:

Decelerating

Stationary

Accelerating

Travelling at a constant velocity

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Velocity-time graph showing a linear increase in velocity over time.

The above velocity / time graph shows an object which is:

Decelerating

Travelling at a constant velocity

Stationary

Accelerating

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Velocity time graph showing an object with decreasing velocity over time.

The above velocity / time graph shows an object which is:

Accelerating

Stationary

Travelling at a constant velocity

Decelerating

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On a velocity / time graph, the distance travelled is shown by:

The gradient of the curve

The height of the curve

The area above the curve

The area under the curve

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Velocity-time graph showing a runner travelling at a constant speed and then slowing to a stop.

The above velocity / time graph shows a runner travelling at a constant speed, and then slowing to a stop.


Calculate the distance travelled by the runner in the 7 s shown.

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