Displacement and Velocity Time Graphs

Displacement vs. Time Graphs

Displacement is a vector quantity that describes the distance and direction of an object from its starting point.
A displacement-time graph presents how an object’s position changes over time.
If a displacement-time graph shows a straight line, the object is moving at a constant speed.
If the line has a positive slope on the graph, the object is displaced in a positive direction. Similarly, a negative slope indicates movement in the opposite direction.
The steepness of the line (or the gradient) shows the speed of displacement. If the line is steep, the speed of displacement is fast. If it is flat, the displacement speed is slow.
A horizontal line on displacement-time graph reflects the object being stationary.
A curved line in the graph showcases acceleration or deceleration.
The area under the curve doesn’t have any particular meaning in the context of displacement-time graph.

Velocity is similar to speed but also includes the direction of movement.
A velocity-time graph shows how the speed of an object changes over time; it is a way to visualise an object’s acceleration.
A straight horizontal line on a velocity-time graph means that an object is moving at a constant velocity.
A rising line indicates acceleration, while a descending line signifies deceleration.
The gradient of a velocity-time graph represents the object’s acceleration or deceleration.
The area under the graph (between the line and the time-axis) in a velocity-time graph represents displacement.
If the graph drops below the time axis, it means the object has changed direction.
The steeper the line in the velocity-time graph, the greater the acceleration or deceleration. A flat line indicates a constant speed.