1.3 & 1.4 - Velocity-time graphs Flashcards
What does a velocity-time graph show?
The velocity of an object against time taken
What is on the x-axis of a velocity-time graph?
The time taken
What is on the y-axis of a velocity-time graph?
The velocity of an object
What does the gradient of a line represent on a velocity-time graph?
Acceleration
What is happening as the gradient becomes steeper on a velocity-time graph?
The acceleration becomes greater
On a velocity-time graph, what does it mean if the line is horizontal?
The acceleration is zero, meaning the object is moving at a steady speed
How can we tell if an object is moving at a steady speed on a velocity-time graph?
The line is horizontal
How can we tell if an object is decelerating of a velocity-time graph?
The gradient is negative
What does it mean if the gradient is negative on a velocity-time graph?
The object is decelerating
How can we work out the distance travelled in a given time on a velocity-time graph?
Calculate the area under the line (using the numbers from the graph scales)
In any calculations around distance-time and velocity-time graphs, what numbers should you use?
The numbers from the graph scales
What does an upwardly curving line represent on a
a) distance-time graph
b) velocity-time graph
a) Increasing velocity
b) Increasing acceleration
