7. Time graphs Flashcards
Distance definition
Total length of path covered from start to finish
Distance calculation
measured
Distance unit of measurement
metres (m)
Displacement definition
Shortest straight line route from start to finish
Displacement calculation
metres (m)
Speed definition
Rate of change of distance
Speed calculation
speed = distance/ time
Speed unit of measurement
m/s
Velocity definition
The rate of change of displacement
Velocity calculation
Velocity = displacement/ time
velocity measurement
m/s
Acceleration/ deceleration definition
The rate of change of velocity
Acceleration equation
acceleration = (final velocity- initial velocity)/ time
Acceleration unit of measurement
m/s/s
What does a distance/ time graph show?
Shows the distance a body travels over a period of time.
What does the gradient of the curve indicate on a distance/ time graph?
The speed of the body at a particular instant and will show whether a body is at rest, is travelling with constant speed or is accelerating or decelerating.
What does a speed/ time graph show?
Shows the speed of a body over a period of time
What does the gradient of the curve on a speed/time graph indicate?
The acceleration of the body at a particular instance and will show whether a body is at rest, is travelling with constant speed or is accelerating or decelerating.
What does a velocity/ time graph show?
The velocity of a body over a period of time.
A velocity time graph can also show any change in direction the body makes.
What does the gradient of the curve on a velocity/time graph show?
The acceleration of the body at a particular instant and will show whether a body is at rest, is travelling with uniform velocity or is accelerating or decelerating
A negative curve below the horizontal axis represents a change in the body’s direction.
