Distance-Time Graphs

-Distance-Time Graphs are graphical illustrations showing how the distance traversed by an object varies with time.

-The horizontal axis represents the time interval which has passed whilst the vertical axis represents the total distance covered in that time.

-If the line on the distance-time graph is straight and inclined, the object is moving at a constant speed. The steepness of the line, or gradient, presents the speed of the object - a steeper line corresponds to a higher speed.

-If the line on the graph is flat or horizontal, then the object is stationary. It shows that over a certain time period, the distance covered by the object remains the same.

-If the line on the graph is curving upwards, the object is accelerating (its speed is increasing). The steeper the curve, the faster the acceleration.

-To calculate the speed of an object from a distance-time graph, one should divide the change in distance by the change in time. This is essentially calculating the gradient of the line (Rise/Run).

-When a line on the graph descends, it indicates the object is returning to its starting point; the speed of return can be determined by the gradient of the descend line.

-Note that distance-time graphs never go below the time axis (negative) because you cannot have negative distance or negative time.

-Understanding distance-time graphs is fundamental to interpreting and predicting movement patterns in physical and theoretical contexts.