Vekocity Time Graphs Flashcards
What does the gradient of a velocity/time graph represent?
Acceleration
Since acceleration = change in velocity / time.
What do flat sections on a velocity/time graph indicate?
Steady speed
These sections show that the object’s velocity is constant.
What does a steeper graph on a velocity/time graph indicate?
Greater acceleration or deceleration
The steepness of the graph correlates with the rate of change of velocity.
What do uphill sections on a velocity/time graph represent?
Acceleration
The object is increasing its speed.
What do downhill sections on a velocity/time graph represent?
Deceleration
The object is decreasing its speed.
What does a curve on a velocity/time graph indicate?
Changing acceleration
The rate of acceleration is not constant.
How can you find acceleration at a point on a curved graph?
Draw a tangent to the curve at that point
The gradient of the tangent gives the acceleration.
What does the area under a velocity/time graph represent?
Distance travelled
The area corresponds to the total distance over the time interval.
How can you calculate the area under sections of a velocity/time graph with constant acceleration?
Split the area into rectangles and triangles
This allows for easier calculation of the total area.
In the example provided, what was the acceleration of the car over the first 10 seconds?
2 m/s²
Calculated as a = (v - u) / t = (20 - 0) / 10.
How far did the car travel in the first 15 seconds of the journey?
200 m
Calculated by finding the area under the graph.
What is the formula for the area of a triangle?
½ × base × height
Used to calculate triangular sections in the graph.
How can you find the area under the graph by counting squares?
Multiply the total number of squares by the value of one square
This gives the total area under the line.
What is the relationship between force and acceleration?
Acceleration is proportional to force
According to Newton’s second law, F = ma.
What happens to acceleration if the mass of an object increases while the force remains constant?
Acceleration decreases
More mass results in less acceleration for the same force.
True or False: A non-zero net force always results in acceleration.
True
A net force indicates that the object will change its state of motion.
What factors affect the stopping distance of a vehicle?
Speed, mass, road conditions
Higher speeds and greater mass increase stopping distance.
What does a stationary car’s velocity/time graph look like at the start?
A horizontal line at 0 m/s
Indicates no movement before acceleration begins.
