Velocity-time graph Flashcards
What do velocity-time graphs show about an object’s acceleration?
They show whether the object is moving with a constant acceleration and the magnitude of the acceleration.
What does a straight line on a velocity-time graph represent?
A straight line represents constant acceleration (or deceleration).
What does the slope of the line on a velocity-time graph indicate?
The slope of the line represents the magnitude of acceleration.
What does a steep slope on a velocity-time graph indicate?
A steep slope means large acceleration, indicating the object’s speed changes very quickly.
What does a gentle slope on a velocity-time graph indicate?
A gentle slope means small acceleration, indicating the object’s speed changes very gradually.
What does a positive gradient on a velocity-time graph show?
A positive gradient shows increasing velocity, meaning the object is accelerating.
What does a negative gradient on a velocity-time graph show?
A negative gradient shows decreasing velocity, meaning the object is decelerating.
What does a flat line on a velocity-time graph mean?
A flat line means the acceleration is zero, indicating the object is moving with a constant velocity.
How is acceleration calculated in relation to a velocity-time graph?
Acceleration = gradient = y/x.
