Distance Speed Time Graph
In this course, you will learn how to read, interpret, and solve questions involving distance–speed–time graphs.
You will understand what the gradient and shape of the graph tell you about an object’s motion, including when it is moving at a constant speed, speeding up, slowing down, or at rest. Through worked examples, you will learn how to calculate total distance travelled, average speed, and time taken.
Related Lessons:
Interpreting Distance-Time Graph
In this lesson, you will learn how to interpret a distance–time graph.
You will learn that the horizontal axis shows time, while the vertical axis shows distance travelled. A steeper line means a faster speed, a straight sloping line shows constant speed, and a horizontal line means the object is stationary.
Interpreting Speed-Time Graph
In this lesson, you will learn how to interpret a speed–time graph. In a speed-time graph, the horizontal axis shows time, while the vertical axis shows speed.
- A rising line shows acceleration, a falling line shows deceleration
- The gradient of the speed time graph is the numerical acceleration value
- Horizontal line means the object is moving at a constant speed.
- Total distance travelled is the area under the graph
Acceleration From Speed-Time Graph
In this lesson, you will learn how to calculate the acceleration value from a speed–time graph by understanding the relationship between speed and acceleration.
The acceleration at any point is the gradient of the speed–time graph, since the gradient represents the rate of change of speed. A steeper positive slope means greater acceleration, while a negative slope shows deceleration.