Graph Of Distance Vs Time

Describing motion - AQA

The movement of objects can be described using motion graphs and numerical values. These are both used to assist in the pattern of faster and more efficient vehicles.

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Distance-time graphs

If an object moves forth a straight line, the distance travelled can be represented by a distance-time graph.

In a distance-time graph, the gradient of the line is equal to the speed of the object. The greater the gradient (and the steeper the line) the faster the object is moving.

A distance time graph shows distance travelled measured by time.

Instance

Calculate the speed of the object represented by the light-green line in the graph, from 0 to 4 s.

change in altitude = (eight - 0) = 8 m

change in time = (4 - 0) = 4 s

\[speed = \frac{altitude}{time}\]

\[speed = 8 \div 4\]

\[speed = 2~m/s\]

Question

Summate the speed of the object represented by the purple line in the graph.

change in distance = (ten - 0) = 10 m

change in time = (2 - 0) = two south

\[speed = \frac{distance}{time}\]

\[speed = x \div 2\]

\[speed = 5~m/due south\]

The speed of an object tin can be calculated from the gradient of a distance-time graph.

Distance-time graphs for accelerating objects - College

If the speed of an object changes, it will be accelerating or decelerating . This can exist shown as a curved line on a distance-time graph.

A graph to show distance travelled by time. A shows acceleration, B shows constant speed, C shows deceleration, and A shows stationary position. Three dotted lines separate each section.

The table shows what each department of the graph represents:

Department of graph	Slope	Speed
A	Increasing	Increasing
B	Constant	Constant
C	Decreasing	Decreasing
D	Zilch	Stationary (at rest)

If an object is accelerating or decelerating, its speed can exist calculated at whatsoever item time by:

cartoon a tangent to the curve at that time
measuring the slope of the tangent

A distance x time graph, showing a tangent on a curve.

As the diagram shows, after drawing the tangent, work out the change in altitude (A) and the change in time (B).

\[gradient = \frac{vertical~alter (A)}{horizontal~alter (B)}\]

It should also be noted that an object moving at a constant speed but changing direction continually is besides accelerating. Velocity , a vector quantity, changes if either the magnitude or the direction changes. This is important when dealing with circular motion.