Understanding Distance-Time Graphs

What does the slope of a distance-time graph represent?

• Distance

• Time

• Speed

• Acceleration

Answer explanation

The slope of a distance-time graph indicates how much distance is covered over a specific time period. This ratio is defined as speed, making 'speed' the correct answer.

What does a horizontal line on a distance-time graph indicate?

• The object is accelerating

• The object is decelerating

• The object is moving at a constant speed

• The object is stationary (not moving)

If an object’s distance-time graph is a straight line passing through the origin, what does it indicate?

• The object is not moving

• The object is moving at a constant speed

• The object is accelerating

• The object is decelerating

Which of the following graphs shows an object moving at a constant speed?

• A graph with a straight line

• A graph with a curved line

• A graph with a zigzag line

• A graph with a horizontal line

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

How do you calculate the speed of an object from a distance-time graph?

• Divide distance by time

• Multiply distance by time

• Subtract time from distance

• Add distance and time

An object’s distance-time graph shows a curve that is getting steeper. What does this indicate about the object’s motion?

• The object is moving at a constant speed

• The object is accelerating

• The object is decelerating

• The object is stationary

A distance-time graph shows a line that slopes downward. What does this indicate about the object’s motion?

• The object is moving backward

• The object is accelerating

• The object is decelerating

• The object is stationary

If a distance-time graph shows a line that is not straight, what can be inferred about the object’s speed?

• The speed is constant

• The speed is changing

• The object is stationary

• The object is moving backward

A student observes a distance-time graph with a straight line that does not pass through the origin. What can the student conclude about the object’s motion?

• The object started from a position other than zero

• The object is accelerating

• The object is decelerating

• The object is stationary

Given a distance-time graph with multiple segments, how can you determine the segment where the object is moving the fastest?

• Look for the segment with the steepest slope

• Look for the segment with the shallowest slope

• Look for the segment with a horizontal line

• Look for the segment with a curved line

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1