Lesson 5. Flashcards
What can you deduce from the gradient of a graph?
The gradient of any graph with time on the x-axis tells you about a rate of change with time. The rate of change of speed or velocity with time tells you the acceleration.
How do you calculate acceleration from a velocity-time graph?
Take readings from the graph to find the change in speed and change in time. Use the equation for acceleration to find the answer.
What graphs can you plot if you measure distance travelled and time?
The distance travelled and time measured means you can plot a distance-time graph, with the gradient equal to the speed. Then, you can plot a speed-time graph, and the gradient will be equal to acceleration (magnitude only).
Which graphs can you plot when measuring distance from a starting point and time?
Measuring the distance from a starting point and time means you can plot a displacement-time graph, with the gradient equal to the velocity (speed + direction), so you can then plot a velocity-time graph. The gradient of that would equal acceleration (magnitude + direction).
Where do you locate distance and displacement on the graph?
The distance travelled is the area under a speed-time graph. The displacement is the area under a velocity-time graph.
How do you calculate displacement from graphs?
Identify triangles or rectangles that you can use to calculate the displacement. Read the lengths from the graphs and use them to calculate the area. Calculate the total displacement.
