Understanding Speed-Time Graphs

Front

What does a horizontal line on a speed-time graph represent?

Back

It represents constant speed, meaning the object is moving at the same speed without acceleration.

Front

What does a positive slope on a speed-time graph indicate?

Back

A positive slope means the object is speeding up or accelerating.

Front

What does a negative slope on a speed-time graph indicate?

Back

A negative slope means the object is slowing down or decelerating.

Front

What happens when the line on a speed-time graph is at 0 metres per second?

Back

The object is stopped and not moving.

Front

How do you calculate the slope of a speed-time graph?

Back

Slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1), where y represents speed and x represents time.

Front

What does the area under the line of a speed-time graph represent?

Back

The area under the line gives the distance travelled by the object.

Front

How do you calculate the area under a rectangle in a speed-time graph?

Back

Area = length × width.

Front

How do you calculate the area of a triangle in a speed-time graph?

Back

Area = ½ × base × height.

Front

If an object’s speed increases from 0 to 5.0 metres per second in 3 seconds, what type of motion is this?

Back

This is an example of speeding up or positive acceleration.

Front

If an object’s speed remains at 5.0 metres per second for 4 seconds, what type of motion is this?

Back

This is constant speed or uniform motion.