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Distance Time Graphs Notes

A distance-time graph illustrates how an object's distance changes over time, with distance on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. Different graph shapes indicate various states of motion, such as constant speed, being stationary, moving faster, or returning to the starting point. Speed can be calculated from the graph using the formula speed = distance ÷ time.

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10 views2 pages

Distance Time Graphs Notes

A distance-time graph illustrates how an object's distance changes over time, with distance on the vertical axis and time on the horizontal axis. Different graph shapes indicate various states of motion, such as constant speed, being stationary, moving faster, or returning to the starting point. Speed can be calculated from the graph using the formula speed = distance ÷ time.

Uploaded by

ojasdeepak24
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Distance–Time Graphs – Study Notes

1. What is a Distance–Time Graph?


A distance–time graph shows how the distance travelled by an object changes with time. It helps
scientists understand motion by comparing two variables: distance and time.

2. Axes of the Graph


In a distance–time graph:

• Distance is plotted on the vertical axis (y-axis).


• Time is plotted on the horizontal axis (x-axis).

3. Why Graphs Are Useful


Graphs are useful because:
• They make patterns and trends easy to see.
• You can read the distance or time at any point during the journey.
• Other values, such as speed, can be calculated from the graph.
• The whole journey can be understood quickly.

4. Straight Upward Line (Constant Speed)


When an object moves at a constant speed, the distance increases evenly with time. The graph
shows a straight line sloping upward.

5. Horizontal Line (Stationary)


If the graph is a horizontal straight line, the object is stationary. This means the object is not moving
and its distance from the starting point does not change.

6. Steeper Upward Line (Faster Speed)


If the line becomes steeper, the object is moving faster. A steeper slope means more distance is
travelled in each second.

7. Downward Sloping Line (Returning)


A downward sloping line means the object is returning toward the starting point. The distance from
the start decreases as time passes.

8. Sections of a Journey
A distance–time graph can show different parts of a journey. For example: moving at constant
speed, stopping, moving faster, or returning to the start.
9. Calculating Speed from a Graph
Speed can be calculated from a distance–time graph using the formula:

speed = distance ÷ time

Read the distance from the vertical axis and the time from the horizontal axis.

10. Important Note About Sketch Graphs


Sometimes distance–time graphs are drawn as sketches. In sketch graphs the numbers on the
axes may not be exact, but they still show the pattern of motion.

Distance–Time Graph Summary


Graph Shape What It Means
Straight upward line Object moving at constant speed
Horizontal line Object is stationary (not moving)
Steeper upward line Object moving faster
Downward sloping line Object returning to starting point

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