Distance vs. Time Graphs

Front

What does a distance vs. time graph represent?

Back

A distance vs. time graph shows how the distance traveled by an object changes over time.

Front

How do you determine speed from a distance vs. time graph?

Back

Speed can be determined by calculating the slope of the line on the graph; the steeper the slope, the faster the speed.

Front

What does a horizontal line on a distance vs. time graph indicate?

Back

A horizontal line indicates that the object is stationary and not changing its position over time.

Front

What does a vertical line on a distance vs. time graph represent?

Back

A vertical line is not possible in a distance vs. time graph as it would imply an infinite speed.

Front

How can you tell if one object is moving faster than another on a distance vs. time graph?

Back

You can tell by comparing the slopes of their lines; the line with the greater slope represents the faster object.

Front

What does a decreasing slope on a distance vs. time graph indicate?

Back

A decreasing slope indicates that the object is slowing down.

Front

What does it mean if the distance vs. time graph has a segment that is a straight line?

Back

A straight line indicates constant speed; the object is moving at a steady pace.

Front

What is the significance of the point where the graph intersects the time axis?

Back

The intersection with the time axis indicates the starting point of the motion.

Front

What does a segment labeled 'at rest' on a distance vs. time graph look like?

Back

It appears as a horizontal line, indicating no change in distance over time.

Front

How can you identify a return journey on a distance vs. time graph?

Back

A return journey is indicated by a line that slopes back down towards the time axis after having increased.