Distance-Time Graphs

Understanding Distance-Time Graphs

• Distance-time graphs represent how an object’s position changes over time.
• The horizontal axis (x-axis) usually represents time, while the vertical axis (y-axis) denotes distance.
• If the graph is a horizontal line, it means the object is stationary.
• If the graph is a positively sloping straight line, it signifies the object is moving at a constant speed.
• The steepness (or gradient) of the line indicates the speed of the object. A steeper line denotes a faster speed.
• Distance is calculated by the area under the graph line.

Analysing Distance-Time Graphs

• You can calculate an object’s speed by taking the gradient of the line.
• To find the gradient, divide the change in distance by the change in time (a process known as rise over run).
• Curved lines on a distance-time graph indicate the object is accelerating or decelerating.
• If the line on a distance-time graph curves upwards, the object is accelerating.
• If the line curves downwards, the object is decelerating.
• The steeper the curve, the greater the acceleration or deceleration.

Practical Applications

• Distance-time graphs are commonly used in physics to illustrate motion.
• Understanding these graphs is fundamental for predicting how objects will behave under different forces.
• They offer a visual way to calculate and represent speed, acceleration, and deceleration.
• They help in understanding the relationship between distance, time, and speed, which is critical in many physics problems.