SP1b Distance/time graphs

Question 1

Recall and use equations relating distance, speed and time.

Answer 1

Speed= Distance/Time

Question 2

Describe how speed can be measured in a school laboratory

Answer 2

To measure speed in the laboratory, a distance value and a time value are needed. The time value can be measured accurately with light gates, although a stopwatch can also be used.

Question 3

Recall typical speeds for walking, running, cycling and travelling by car.

Answer 3

Walking=1.5 m/s
Running=5m/s
Cycling=7m/s
Car=13-30m/s

Question 4

Interpret distance/time graphs (including
recognising what the steepness of the line
tells you).

Answer 4

In a distance-time graph, the slope or gradient of the line is equal to the speed of the object. The steeper the line (and the greater the gradient) the faster the object is moving.

Question 5

How do you find speed from a distance/time graph.

Answer 5

The speed will be the gradient.