Interpreting distance-time graphs | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Match the key word to the description.

• slope

• The steepness of a line on a graph.

• distance-time graph

• The total distance travelled divided by the total time.

• gradient

• Another name for the gradient of a graph.

• stationary

• Not moving.

• average speed

• Shows the distance something has moved at each moment.

Answer explanation

The average speed of an object is the total distance travelled divided by the total time. The gradient (or slope) is the steepness of a line. A distance-time graph shows the distance something has moved over time. A stationary object is not moving.

At what time does this object start moving closer? Include the unit in your answer.

Answer explanation

The line starts moving downwards (a negative gradient) at 10 s, that is where it has started to move closer.

Which of the objects shown by the four lines has the lowest average speed?

• A

• B

• C

• D

• They are all the same speed.

Answer explanation

Line D has the lowest gradient, so the object is slowest.

Which of the objects shown by the four lines has a speed of 0.13 m/s?

• A

• B

• C

• D

• All of them.

Answer explanation

Line B shows an object that travels 8.0 m is 60 s, this gives a speed of 1.3 m/s.

Calculate the average speed for this complete journey.

• 0.06 m/s

• 0.10 m/s

• 0.15 m/s

• 0.17 m/s

• 0.60 m/s

Answer explanation

The distance travelled is 10 m and the time taken is 60 s. average speed = distance ÷ time, average speed = 10 m ÷ 60, average speed = 0.17 m/s.

Calculate the average speed between 10 s and 30 s for this journey.

• 0.06 m/s

• 0.10 m/s

• 0.05 m/s

• 0.20 m/s

• 60 m/s

Answer explanation

The distance after 10 s is 1 m and the distance after 30 s is 2 m. average speed = change in distance ÷ change in time, average speed = 1 m ÷ 20, average speed = 0.05 m/s.