Speed & Velocity

Question 1

Distance-time graphs

Answer 1

Distance-time graphs show how the distance gained by a moving object changes over time.

Question 2

How can you tell which object is moving faster on a distance-time graph?

Answer 2

The steeper the gradient, the faster the object. The blue object is faster because it has a steeper gradient than the red object.

Question 3

What is the gradient of the line on a distance-time graph proportional to?

Answer 3

The gradient of the line is proportional to speed – the steeper the line, the faster the object.

Question 4

What do horizontal lines on a distance-time graph represent?

Answer 4

Horizontal lines indicate that the object is stationary.

Question 5

Velocity-time graphs

Answer 5

Velocity-time graphs show the acceleration of an object.

Question 6

What is the Gradient of the line on a velocity-time graph proportional to?

Answer 6

The gradient of the line is proportional to the acceleration – the steeper the gradient, the faster the change in speed.

Question 7

What do straight lines on a velocity-time graph represent?

Answer 7

Straight lines indicate a constant speed.

Question 8

What does the area underneath a velocity-time graph represent?

Answer 8

The area underneath the graph tells us the distance travelled.