<!
DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <title>Kinematics: Motion Graphs,
Area under V–T, Gradients</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin:
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bold; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Kinematics Chapter 2: Motion Graphs and Analyses</h1>
<h2>Executive Summary</h2> <p>Kinematics is the study of motion without regard to its causes.
Motion can be visualized and analyzed using <em>graphs</em> of displacement, velocity, and
acceleration versus time. A <strong>displacement–time</strong> graph plots how an object’s position
changes over time, and its slope (gradient) equals velocity. A <strong>velocity–time</strong> graph
plots how velocity changes, and its slope equals acceleration. The <strong>area under a
velocity–time</strong> graph over a time interval gives the object’s displacement. These relationships
hold for motion in one dimension under uniform (constant) acceleration or velocity. Mastering these
graphs enables students to determine key quantities (velocity, acceleration, distance, displacement) by
calculating slopes and areas. (Axes must be correctly labeled: time in seconds (s) horizontally, and
displacement (m) or velocity (m/s) vertically.) These methods are emphasized in A-level syllabi (AQA,
Edexcel, Cambridge) for analyzing motion.</p> <h2>Motion Graphs (Displacement–Time, Velocity–Time,
Acceleration–Time)</h2> <p>Motion graphs represent an object’s motion in one dimension. A
<strong>displacement–time (s–t)</strong> graph shows how far and in what direction an object is from
a reference point over time. The <em>gradient</em> (slope) of an s–t graph at any point gives the
instantaneous velocity. (A positive slope means motion in the chosen positive direction; a negative slope
means motion in the opposite direction.) A straight-line s–t graph indicates constant velocity; a
horizontal line means the object is at rest. A curved s–t graph indicates changing velocity (acceleration).
The key formula is <code>velocity = \u0394displacement/\u0394time</code>, with units m/s (metres
per second). Example formulas: for uniform motion, v = constant (s = vt); for accelerated motion (from
rest), s = ½ a t² + ut (from SUVAT).</p> <p>Similarly, a <strong>velocity–time (v–t)</strong> graph plots
an object’s velocity over time. Its gradient gives the acceleration and its area under the curve gives the
displacement (signed). A horizontal v–t line indicates constant velocity (zero acceleration), while an
upward (positive) or downward (negative) sloping line indicates acceleration or deceleration,
respectively. Key formula: <code>acceleration = \u0394velocity/\u0394time</code> (units m/s²). Also,
the displacement from t=t₀ to t=t₁ is the area under the v–t curve, computed by splitting into geometric
shapes. An <strong>acceleration–time (a–t)</strong> graph shows how acceleration changes (often
piecewise constant for uniform acceleration). Here, area under the a–t graph yields change in
velocity.</p> <p>In summary, these graphs interrelate: <code>s–t → slope = v</code>; <code>v–t →
slope = a</code>; <code>v–t → area = \u0394s</code>. Conversely, the slope of an a–t graph gives jerk
(not typically used at A-level) and its area gives velocity change. This allows translation between graphs:
e.g., the slope of a curved s–t graph (tangent) gives instantaneous v; the area under a v–t graph
(between t-values) gives total displacement. Understanding sign conventions (positive vs negative area)
is crucial.</p> <h3>Key Formulas and Definitions</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Velocity</strong> (v): rate of
change of displacement. <code>v = \u0394s/\u0394t</code>. Units: m/s. Slope of s–t graph.</li>
<li><strong>Acceleration</strong> (a): rate of change of velocity. <code>a = \u0394v/\u0394t</code>.
Units: m/s². Slope of v–t graph.</li> <li><strong>Displacement</strong> (s): area under v–t graph. Units:
m. Signed quantity (direction matters).</li> <li><strong>Uniform (constant) acceleration</strong>
formulas: <code>v = u + at</code>, <code>s = ut + ½ a t²</code>, <code>v² = u² + 2as</code>.</li>
<li><strong>Uniform velocity</strong> (a = 0): <code>s = vt</code> (straight-line motion).</li> </ul>
<h3>Worked Examples: Motion Graphs</h3> <p><strong>Example 1:</strong> A displacement–time
graph is a straight line rising from s=0 at t=0 to s=8 m at t=4 s. What is the velocity? <em>Solution:</em>
The graph is linear, so velocity is constant. Compute slope = (8 m - 0 m)/(4 s - 0 s) = 2 m/s. (Answer: v = 2
m/s).</p> <p><strong>Example 2:</strong> A v–t graph is a horizontal line at v = 5 m/s from t=0 to t=6
s. What are the acceleration and displacement? <em>Solution:</em> Horizontal line means acceleration
a=0. Displacement = area = velocity × time = 5 m/s × 6 s = 30 m (in the positive direction). (Answer: a = 0,
s = 30 m).</p> <p><strong>Example 3:</strong> A v–t graph shows velocity rising uniformly from 0 to 10
m/s in 5 s. Sketch the displacement-time graph. <em>Solution:</em> The v–t graph is a straight line
(constant acceleration a = (10-0)/5 = 2 m/s²). The s–t graph will be a curve (parabola) starting at 0, with
increasing slope. Using s = 0·5 + ½·2·5² = 25 m total. The shape is upward curved with s(5)=25 m. (We
could plot s = ½·2 t²).</p> <p><strong>Example 4:</strong> Interpret the motion: A displacement–time
graph is horizontal from t=0 to 3 s (s=0), then a straight line rising to 6 m at t=5 s, then a straight line
falling back to 2 m at t=7 s. <em>Solution:</em> 0–3 s: object is at rest (horizontal s–t); 3–5 s: uniform
velocity v = (6–0)/(5–3) = 3 m/s (positive direction); 5–7 s: returning (negative velocity) v = (2–6)/(7–5) =
-2 m/s. (It stops at 5 s and then moves back.).</p> <p><strong>Example 5:</strong> A velocity–time
graph consists of two segments: 0–4 s linearly increasing from 2 m/s to 6 m/s; 4–8 s constant at 6 m/s.
Find displacement over 0–8 s. <em>Solution:</em> Split area: 0–4 s (triangle): base 4 s, height (6-2)=4
m/s, area = ½·4·4 = 8 m. 4–8 s (rectangle): base 4 s, height 6 m/s, area = 4·6 = 24 m. Total displacement =
8 + 24 = 32 m. (Answer: 32 m).</p> <h2>Area under a Velocity–Time Graph</h2> <p>The <strong>area
under a velocity–time graph</strong> between two times gives the object’s <em>displacement</em>
over that interval. Area must be taken as signed: area above the time-axis is positive displacement
(forward motion), below is negative (opposite direction). To find the area when the graph is piecewise-
linear (uniform acceleration or constant speed segments), split it into simple shapes (rectangles,
triangles, trapeziums), compute each area, then add (with sign). Key formula for a triangle: <code>Area
= ½×base×height</code>, for rectangle: <code>Area = base×height</code>. Units: (m/s)×s = m. Tips:
always label base in seconds, height in m/s, and check units.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Area
under V–T Graph</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>1. Rectangle (constant speed):</strong> A v–t graph is
a rectangle at v = 4 m/s from t=0 to t=5 s. Area = 4×5 = 20 m. (Displacement = 20 m).</li> <li><strong>2.
Triangle (accelerating):</strong> v starts at 0, rises to 10 m/s over 5 s (straight line). Area = ½×base(5
s)×height(10 m/s) = 25 m. (Displacement = 25 m).</li> <li><strong>3. Trapezium (change between non-
zero speeds):</strong> v goes from 4 to 8 m/s over 3 s (linear). Area = average height×base =
((4+8)/2)×3 = 6×3 = 18 m.</li> <li><strong>4. Piecewise (rectangle + triangle):</strong> from t=0–3 s v=5
m/s; from t=3–7 s v drops linearly to 0. Area = rectangle (5×3=15) + triangle (½×4×5=10) = 25 m.</li>
<li><strong>5. Negative area:</strong> v = -3 m/s (below axis) from t=0–4 s. Area = (-3)×4 = -12 m
(negative means displacement 12 m in opposite direction). Distance (total ground covered) would be 12
m.</li> </ul> <p>Figure: Example velocity–time graph and its split areas.</p> <p><strong>Tips and
Mnemonics:</strong> Think of area under v–t as “velocity integrated over time.” A useful trick: when
velocities are linear segments, use geometry. For uniform acceleration: displacement = average velocity
× time (which is the trapezoid formula). When combining positive/negative segments, keep track of sign:
e.g., a below-axis triangle subtracts displacement. Always show area formulas with units and label each
shape before summing.</p> <h2>Gradient of a Displacement–Time Graph</h2> <p>The
<strong>gradient (slope) of a displacement–time graph</strong> at a point gives the instantaneous
velocity. For straight-line segments, the average and instantaneous velocities are the same. Gradient is
calculated as <code>\u0394s/\u0394t</code> between two points (units m/s). A steeper slope means
faster speed; a negative slope means motion in the opposite direction. A horizontal s–t line means
velocity = 0 (object at rest). Key points: always pick two well-separated points on a straight segment (a
“large triangle”) to find slope with less error. Show your work as <code>velocity = \u0394s /
\u0394t</code> with units.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Gradient of s–t Graph</strong></p>
<ul> <li><strong>1. Constant velocity:</strong> s–t graph from (t=0, s=0) to (t=5, s=20). Gradient = (20-
0)/(5-0) = 4 m/s. (Answer: 4 m/s, forward).</li> <li><strong>2. Change of direction:</strong> s–t graph
from (t=0, s=10) to (t=2, s=4). Gradient = (4-10)/(2-0) = -3 m/s. (Negative: moving backward at 3
m/s).</li> <li><strong>3. Average velocity on a curve:</strong> s–t curve passes (t=1, s=2) and (t=4,
s=10). Average v = (10-2)/(4-1) = 2.67 m/s. (If needed, instantaneous velocity uses tangent.)</li>
<li><strong>4. Zero slope:</strong> horizontal s–t segment means velocity = 0 (object at rest).</li>
<li><strong>5. From graph to v–t:</strong> given s–t graph with constant slope, draw corresponding
constant-v graph at that velocity level.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Common Pitfalls:</strong> Do not confuse
gradient with y-value. The gradient units are m/s, not m. Always check sign and units. For a curved s–t
graph (non-uniform motion), only average velocity can be found between two points (unless calculus is
used).</p> <h2>Gradient of a Velocity–Time Graph</h2> <p>The <strong>gradient of a velocity–time
graph</strong> gives the acceleration. Compute <code>a = \u0394v/\u0394t</code>. Units: m/s². A
positive slope means speeding up (positive acceleration); a negative slope means slowing down
(deceleration). A horizontal line on a v–t graph means zero acceleration (constant velocity). To find
acceleration, select two points on a straight segment: <code>a = (v₂–v₁)/(t₂–t₁)</code>, stating units..
The area under an a–t graph (if given) would give change in velocity (Δv). Remember: keep track of
direction signs if velocities can be negative.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Gradient of v–t
Graph</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>1. Constant acceleration:</strong> v–t graph from (t=0, v=0) to
(t=4, v=8). a = (8-0)/(4-0) = 2 m/s².</li> <li><strong>2. Constant deceleration:</strong> v–t graph from
(t=0, v=20) to (t=5, v=0). a = (0-20)/(5-0) = -4 m/s² (negative means slowing to stop).</li> <li><strong>3.
Zero acceleration:</strong> v–t graph horizontal at 5 m/s from t=0 to 6 s. a = 0.</li> <li><strong>4.
Piecewise:</strong> v increases 0→6 m/s in 3 s (a=2 m/s²), then decreases 6→2 m/s in 2 s (a=-2
m/s²).</li> <li><strong>5. From an a–t graph:</strong> an a–t graph shows a=3 m/s² from t=0–4 s
(constant). From this, v increases by 12 m/s over 4 s (a⋅t).</li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Tip:</strong>
When acceleration is constant, v–t is straight; use <code>v = u + at</code> to check. For varying
acceleration (curved v–t), only average a can be found over an interval.</p> <h2>Comparison Table:
Graph Topics</h2> <table> <tr><th>Topic</th><th>Purpose</th><th>Graph Shows</th><th>Key
Formulas</th><th>Units</th><th>Common Pitfalls</th><th>When to Use</th></tr> <tr>
<td><strong>Displacement–Time Graph</strong></td> <td>Visualize motion (position vs time).</td>
<td>Position (or displacement) over time; slope = velocity.</td> <td>Velocity = Δs/Δt.</td> <td>s (m), t
(s), v (m/s).</td> <td>Mixing up displacement with distance; forgetting sign on slope.</td> <td>Finding
velocity (instant/average) from position data; describing motion qualitatively.</td> </tr> <tr>
<td><strong>Velocity–Time Graph</strong></td> <td>Analyze speed/velocity changes over time.</td>
<td>Velocity over time; slope = acceleration; area = displacement.</td> <td>Acceleration = Δv/Δt;
Displacement = area under v–t.</td> <td>v (m/s), t (s), a (m/s²), displacement (m).</td> <td>Confusing
velocity with distance; missing negative area; forgetting units.</td> <td>Compute acceleration from
motion data; compute displacement from speed data.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Area under V–T
Graph</strong></td> <td>Calculate displacement from velocity-time data.</td> <td>Displacement
traveled (signed) over interval.</td> <td>Area = base×height for rectangles, ½·base·height for triangles,
etc..</td> <td>Area (m) from (m/s×s).</td> <td>Ignoring sign of area (negative velocity); not splitting
piecewise shapes.</td> <td>Finding distance/displacement when given a v–t graph in problems.</td>
</tr> <tr> <td><strong>Gradient of V–T Graph</strong></td> <td>Calculate acceleration from velocity
data.</td> <td>How velocity changes; slope = acceleration.</td> <td>Acceleration = Δv/Δt.</td> <td>a
(m/s²) from (m/s)/s.</td> <td>Omitting unit; sign error (acceleration vs deceleration).</td>
<td>Determining acceleration or deceleration when given velocity/time points.</td> </tr> </table>
<h2>Differences and Method Selection</h2> <p>Use a <strong>displacement–time graph</strong>
when motion in position is given, and you need velocity. Use a <strong>velocity–time graph</strong>
when velocity vs time is given, and you need acceleration or displacement. Use <strong>area-under-
VT</strong> specifically to find displacement (when velocity is known). Use
<strong>gradient-of-ST</strong> to find velocity, and <strong>gradient-of-VT</strong> to find
acceleration. In summary: <em>slopes</em> give instantaneous rates (velocity from position,
acceleration from velocity), while <em>areas</em> under v–t give displacements. When solving
problems, identify which graph type appears (or which quantities you have), then apply slope or area
accordingly.</p> <h2>Problem-Solving Tips and Mnemonics</h2> <ul> <li>“Slope = Rise/Run”: Always
compute slope as Δy/Δx with units (e.g. m/s or m/s²).</li> <li>For v–t area: “Think of area = average
velocity × time” (rectangle + triangle decomposition).</li> <li>Remember sign: area below the time-axis
is negative displacement; velocity below axis means moving backward.</li> <li>Use SUVAT equations for
uniform acceleration cases to check results (e.g. s = ut + ½ at² should match the area under v–t graph
calculation).</li> <li>Keyword checklist: On s–t, say "at rest", "constant speed", "speeding up/down"; on
v–t, say "constant acceleration", "decelerating". This helps in exam descriptions.</li> <li>Units check:
(m/s²) × s = m for area under v–t, (m) / s = m/s for slope of s–t, etc.</li> </ul> <div class="mermaid">
flowchart LR S["Displacement–Time Graph (s–t)"] -->|Gradient = v| V["Velocity–Time Graph (v–t)"] V --
>|Gradient = a| A["Acceleration–Time Graph (a–t)"] V -->|Area under curve = s| S </div> <h2>Practice
Problems</h2> <p><strong>1. Easy:</strong> A car’s displacement–time graph is a straight line rising
from 0 m at t=0 to 12 m at t=3 s. What is the car’s velocity? (Ans: 4 m/s.)</p> <p><strong>2.
Easy:</strong> A velocity–time graph is constant at -3 m/s from t=0 to 5 s (below axis). What is the
displacement and distance traveled? (Ans: Displacement = -15 m, Distance = 15 m.)</p> <p><strong>3.
Medium:</strong> A velocity–time graph shows a line from (0 s, 0 m/s) to (8 s, 24 m/s). (a) What is the
acceleration? (b) How far does it travel in 8 s? (Ans: a = 3 m/s²; displacement = 96 m.)</p>
<p><strong>4. Medium:</strong> A displacement–time graph is horizontal at s=5 m from t=0 to 2 s,
then linear up to s=11 m at t=5 s. What is the object’s motion description and velocity after 2 s? (Ans: At
rest 0–2 s; then uniform v = (11-5)/(5-2) = 2 m/s.)</p> <p><strong>5. Hard:</strong> A car accelerates
from rest to 20 m/s in 10 s, then continues at 20 m/s for 5 s, then decelerates to 0 in 4 s. Sketch the v–t
graph and compute total displacement. (Ans: Trapezoids: first triangle area = ½·10·20 =100 m; second
rectangle = 20·5=100 m; third triangle area=½·4·20=40 m; total =240 m.)</p> <h2>Common Exam
Question Variants</h2> <ul> <li>Finding acceleration from a v–t graph (linear segment).</li>
<li>Calculating displacement from area under a V–T graph with multiple segments (incl. negative
velocities).</li> <li>Determining velocity from s–t graph gradients or slope of s–t graphs (including
curved average slopes).</li> <li>Describing motion qualitatively from graph shape (e.g. “uniform
acceleration”, “steady speed”, “changing direction”).</li> <li>Using both gradient and area: e.g., given a
piecewise graph, find times when object stops, distances, etc.</li> <li>Converting between graphs:
sketching a v–t or s–t graph given one or finding instantaneous values (e.g. tangent velocity).</li> </ul>
<h2>Refer <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Kinematics: Motion Graphs, Area under V–T, Gradients</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial,
sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px; } h1, h2, h3 { color: #2F4F4F; } table { border-collapse: collapse;
width: 100%; margin-bottom: 1em; } th, td { border: 1px solid #777; padding: 8px; text-align: left; } th
{ background: #eee; } ul { margin-top: 0; } img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .mermaid { margin:
1em 0; } .difficulty { font-weight: bold; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Kinematics Chapter 2: Motion
Graphs and Analyses</h1> <h2>Executive Summary</h2> <p>Kinematics is the study of motion without
regard to its causes. Motion can be visualized and analyzed using <em>graphs</em> of displacement,
velocity, and acceleration versus time. A <strong>displacement–time</strong> graph plots how an
object’s position changes over time, and its slope (gradient) equals velocity. A
<strong>velocity–time</strong> graph plots how velocity changes, and its slope equals acceleration. The
<strong>area under a velocity–time</strong> graph over a time interval gives the object’s displacement.
These relationships hold for motion in one dimension under uniform (constant) acceleration or velocity.
Mastering these graphs enables students to determine key quantities (velocity, acceleration, distance,
displacement) by calculating slopes and areas. (Axes must be correctly labeled: time in seconds (s)
horizontally, and displacement (m) or velocity (m/s) vertically.) These methods are emphasized in A-level
syllabi (AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge) for analyzing motion.</p> <h2>Motion Graphs (Displacement–Time,
Velocity–Time, Acceleration–Time)</h2> <p>Motion graphs represent an object’s motion in one
dimension. A <strong>displacement–time (s–t)</strong> graph shows how far and in what direction an
object is from a reference point over time. The <em>gradient</em> (slope) of an s–t graph at any point
gives the instantaneous velocity. (A positive slope means motion in the chosen positive direction; a
negative slope means motion in the opposite direction.) A straight-line s–t graph indicates constant
velocity; a horizontal line means the object is at rest. A curved s–t graph indicates changing velocity
(acceleration). The key formula is <code>velocity = \u0394displacement/\u0394time</code>, with units
m/s (metres per second). Example formulas: for uniform motion, v = constant (s = vt); for accelerated
motion (from rest), s = ½ a t² + ut (from SUVAT).</p> <p>Similarly, a <strong>velocity–time
(v–t)</strong> graph plots an object’s velocity over time. Its gradient gives the acceleration and its area
under the curve gives the displacement (signed). A horizontal v–t line indicates constant velocity (zero
acceleration), while an upward (positive) or downward (negative) sloping line indicates acceleration or
deceleration, respectively. Key formula: <code>acceleration = \u0394velocity/\u0394time</code> (units
m/s²). Also, the displacement from t=t₀ to t=t₁ is the area under the v–t curve, computed by splitting into
geometric shapes. An <strong>acceleration–time (a–t)</strong> graph shows how acceleration changes
(often piecewise constant for uniform acceleration). Here, area under the a–t graph yields change in
velocity.</p> <p>In summary, these graphs interrelate: <code>s–t → slope = v</code>; <code>v–t →
slope = a</code>; <code>v–t → area = \u0394s</code>. Conversely, the slope of an a–t graph gives jerk
(not typically used at A-level) and its area gives velocity change. This allows translation between graphs:
e.g., the slope of a curved s–t graph (tangent) gives instantaneous v; the area under a v–t graph
(between t-values) gives total displacement. Understanding sign conventions (positive vs negative area)
is crucial.</p> <h3>Key Formulas and Definitions</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Velocity</strong> (v): rate of
change of displacement. <code>v = \u0394s/\u0394t</code>. Units: m/s. Slope of s–t graph.</li>
<li><strong>Acceleration</strong> (a): rate of change of velocity. <code>a = \u0394v/\u0394t</code>.
Units: m/s². Slope of v–t graph.</li> <li><strong>Displacement</strong> (s): area under v–t graph. Units:
m. Signed quantity (direction matters).</li> <li><strong>Uniform (constant) acceleration</strong>
formulas: <code>v = u + at</code>, <code>s = ut + ½ a t²</code>, <code>v² = u² + 2as</code>.</li>
<li><strong>Uniform velocity</strong> (a = 0): <code>s = vt</code> (straight-line motion).</li> </ul>
<h3>Worked Examples: Motion Graphs</h3> <p><strong>Example 1:</strong> A displacement–time
graph is a straight line rising from s=0 at t=0 to s=8 m at t=4 s. What is the velocity? <em>Solution:</em>
The graph is linear, so velocity is constant. Compute slope = (8 m - 0 m)/(4 s - 0 s) = 2 m/s. (Answer: v = 2
m/s).</p> <p><strong>Example 2:</strong> A v–t graph is a horizontal line at v = 5 m/s from t=0 to t=6
s. What are the acceleration and displacement? <em>Solution:</em> Horizontal line means acceleration
a=0. Displacement = area = velocity × time = 5 m/s × 6 s = 30 m (in the positive direction). (Answer: a = 0,
s = 30 m).</p> <p><strong>Example 3:</strong> A v–t graph shows velocity rising uniformly from 0 to 10
m/s in 5 s. Sketch the displacement-time graph. <em>Solution:</em> The v–t graph is a straight line
(constant acceleration a = (10-0)/5 = 2 m/s²). The s–t graph will be a curve (parabola) starting at 0, with
increasing slope. Using s = 0·5 + ½·2·5² = 25 m total. The shape is upward curved with s(5)=25 m. (We
could plot s = ½·2 t²).</p> <p><strong>Example 4:</strong> Interpret the motion: A displacement–time
graph is horizontal from t=0 to 3 s (s=0), then a straight line rising to 6 m at t=5 s, then a straight line
falling back to 2 m at t=7 s. <em>Solution:</em> 0–3 s: object is at rest (horizontal s–t); 3–5 s: uniform
velocity v = (6–0)/(5–3) = 3 m/s (positive direction); 5–7 s: returning (negative velocity) v = (2–6)/(7–5) =
-2 m/s. (It stops at 5 s and then moves back.).</p> <p><strong>Example 5:</strong> A velocity–time
graph consists of two segments: 0–4 s linearly increasing from 2 m/s to 6 m/s; 4–8 s constant at 6 m/s.
Find displacement over 0–8 s. <em>Solution:</em> Split area: 0–4 s (triangle): base 4 s, height (6-2)=4
m/s, area = ½·4·4 = 8 m. 4–8 s (rectangle): base 4 s, height 6 m/s, area = 4·6 = 24 m. Total displacement =
8 + 24 = 32 m. (Answer: 32 m).</p> <h2>Area under a Velocity–Time Graph</h2> <p>The <strong>area
under a velocity–time graph</strong> between two times gives the object’s <em>displacement</em>
over that interval. Area must be taken as signed: area above the time-axis is positive displacement
(forward motion), below is negative (opposite direction). To find the area when the graph is piecewise-
linear (uniform acceleration or constant speed segments), split it into simple shapes (rectangles,
triangles, trapeziums), compute each area, then add (with sign). Key formula for a triangle: <code>Area
= ½×base×height</code>, for rectangle: <code>Area = base×height</code>. Units: (m/s)×s = m. Tips:
always label base in seconds, height in m/s, and check units.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Area
under V–T Graph</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>1. Rectangle (constant speed):</strong> A v–t graph is
a rectangle at v = 4 m/s from t=0 to t=5 s. Area = 4×5 = 20 m. (Displacement = 20 m).</li> <li><strong>2.
Triangle (accelerating):</strong> v starts at 0, rises to 10 m/s over 5 s (straight line). Area = ½×base(5
s)×height(10 m/s) = 25 m. (Displacement = 25 m).</li> <li><strong>3. Trapezium (change between non-
zero speeds):</strong> v goes from 4 to 8 m/s over 3 s (linear). Area = average height×base =
((4+8)/2)×3 = 6×3 = 18 m.</li> <li><strong>4. Piecewise (rectangle + triangle):</strong> from t=0–3 s v=5
m/s; from t=3–7 s v drops linearly to 0. Area = rectangle (5×3=15) + triangle (½×4×5=10) = 25 m.</li>
<li><strong>5. Negative area:</strong> v = -3 m/s (below axis) from t=0–4 s. Area = (-3)×4 = -12 m
(negative means displacement 12 m in opposite direction). Distance (total ground covered) would be 12
m.</li> </ul> <p>Figure: Example velocity–time graph and its split areas.</p> <p><strong>Tips and
Mnemonics:</strong> Think of area under v–t as “velocity integrated over time.” A useful trick: when
velocities are linear segments, use geometry. For uniform acceleration: displacement = average velocity
× time (which is the trapezoid formula). When combining positive/negative segments, keep track of sign:
e.g., a below-axis triangle subtracts displacement. Always show area formulas with units and label each
shape before summing.</p> <h2>Gradient of a Displacement–Time Graph</h2> <p>The
<strong>gradient (slope) of a displacement–time graph</strong> at a point gives the instantaneous
velocity. For straight-line segments, the average and instantaneous velocities are the same. Gradient is
calculated as <code>\u0394s/\u0394t</code> between two points (units m/s). A steeper slope means
faster speed; a negative slope means motion in the opposite direction. A horizontal s–t line means
velocity = 0 (object at rest). Key points: always pick two well-separated points on a straight segment (a
“large triangle”) to find slope with less error. Show your work as <code>velocity = \u0394s /
\u0394t</code> with units.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Gradient of s–t Graph</strong></p>
<ul> <li><strong>1. Constant velocity:</strong> s–t graph from (t=0, s=0) to (t=5, s=20). Gradient = (20-
0)/(5-0) = 4 m/s. (Answer: 4 m/s, forward).</li> <li><strong>2. Change of direction:</strong> s–t graph
from (t=0, s=10) to (t=2, s=4). Gradient = (4-10)/(2-0) = -3 m/s. (Negative: moving backward at 3
m/s).</li> <li><strong>3. Average velocity on a curve:</strong> s–t curve passes (t=1, s=2) and (t=4,
s=10). Average v = (10-2)/(4-1) = 2.67 m/s. (If needed, instantaneous velocity uses tangent.)</li>
<li><strong>4. Zero slope:</strong> horizontal s–t segment means velocity = 0 (object at rest).</li>
<li><strong>5. From graph to v–t:</strong> given s–t graph with constant slope, draw corresponding
constant-v graph at that velocity level.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Common Pitfalls:</strong> Do not confuse
gradient with y-value. The gradient units are m/s, not m. Always check sign and units. For a curved s–t
graph (non-uniform motion), only average velocity can be found between two points (unless calculus is
used).</p> <h2>Gradient of a Velocity–Time Graph</h2> <p>The <strong>gradient of a velocity–time
graph</strong> gives the acceleration. Compute <code>a = \u0394v/\u0394t</code>. Units: m/s². A
positive slope means speeding up (positive acceleration); a negative slope means slowing down
(deceleration). A horizontal line on a v–t graph means zero acceleration (constant velocity). To find
acceleration, select two points on a straight segment: <code>a = (v₂–v₁)/(t₂–t₁)</code>, stating units..
The area under an a–t graph (if given) would give change in velocity (Δv). Remember: keep track of
direction signs if velocities can be negative.</p> <p><strong>Worked Examples: Gradient of v–t
Graph</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>1. Constant acceleration:</strong> v–t graph from (t=0, v=0) to
(t=4, v=8). a = (8-0)/(4-0) = 2 m/s².</li> <li><strong>2. Constant deceleration:</strong> v–t graph from
(t=0, v=20) to (t=5, v=0). a = (0-20)/(5-0) = -4 m/s² (negative means slowing to stop).</li> <li><strong>3.
Zero acceleration:</strong> v–t graph horizontal at 5 m/s from t=0 to 6 s. a = 0.</li> <li><strong>4.
Piecewise:</strong> v increases 0→6 m/s in 3 s (a=2 m/s²), then decreases 6→2 m/s in 2 s (a=-2
m/s²).</li> <li><strong>5. From an a–t graph:</strong> an a–t graph shows a=3 m/s² from t=0–4 s
(constant). From this, v increases by 12 m/s over 4 s (a⋅t).</li> </ul> <p><strong>Key Tip:</strong>
When acceleration is constant, v–t is straight; use <code>v = u + at</code> to check. For varying
acceleration (curved v–t), only average a can be found over an interval.</p> <h2>Comparison Table:
Graph Topics</h2> <table> <tr><th>Topic</th><th>Purpose</th><th>Graph Shows</th><th>Key
Formulas</th><th>Units</th><th>Common Pitfalls</th><th>When to Use</th></tr> <tr>
<td><strong>Displacement–Time Graph</strong></td> <td>Visualize motion (position vs time).</td>
<td>Position (or displacement) over time; slope = velocity.</td> <td>Velocity = Δs/Δt.</td> <td>s (m), t
(s), v (m/s).</td> <td>Mixing up displacement with distance; forgetting sign on slope.</td> <td>Finding
velocity (instant/average) from position data; describing motion qualitatively.</td> </tr> <tr>
<td><strong>Velocity–Time Graph</strong></td> <td>Analyze speed/velocity changes over time.</td>
<td>Velocity over time; slope = acceleration; area = displacement.</td> <td>Acceleration = Δv/Δt;
Displacement = area under v–t.</td> <td>v (m/s), t (s), a (m/s²), displacement (m).</td> <td>Confusing
velocity with distance; missing negative area; forgetting units.</td> <td>Compute acceleration from
motion data; compute displacement from speed data.</td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong>Area under V–T
Graph</strong></td> <td>Calculate displacement from velocity-time data.</td> <td>Displacement
traveled (signed) over interval.</td> <td>Area = base×height for rectangles, ½·base·height for triangles,
etc..</td> <td>Area (m) from (m/s×s).</td> <td>Ignoring sign of area (negative velocity); not splitting
piecewise shapes.</td> <td>Finding distance/displacement when given a v–t graph in problems.</td>
</tr> <tr> <td><strong>Gradient of V–T Graph</strong></td> <td>Calculate acceleration from velocity
data.</td> <td>How velocity changes; slope = acceleration.</td> <td>Acceleration = Δv/Δt.</td> <td>a
(m/s²) from (m/s)/s.</td> <td>Omitting unit; sign error (acceleration vs deceleration).</td>
<td>Determining acceleration or deceleration when given velocity/time points.</td> </tr> </table>
<h2>Differences and Method Selection</h2> <p>Use a <strong>displacement–time graph</strong>
when motion in position is given, and you need velocity. Use a <strong>velocity–time graph</strong>
when velocity vs time is given, and you need acceleration or displacement. Use <strong>area-under-
VT</strong> specifically to find displacement (when velocity is known). Use
<strong>gradient-of-ST</strong> to find velocity, and <strong>gradient-of-VT</strong> to find
acceleration. In summary: <em>slopes</em> give instantaneous rates (velocity from position,
acceleration from velocity), while <em>areas</em> under v–t give displacements. When solving
problems, identify which graph type appears (or which quantities you have), then apply slope or area
accordingly.</p> <h2>Problem-Solving Tips and Mnemonics</h2> <ul> <li>“Slope = Rise/Run”: Always
compute slope as Δy/Δx with units (e.g. m/s or m/s²).</li> <li>For v–t area: “Think of area = average
velocity × time” (rectangle + triangle decomposition).</li> <li>Remember sign: area below the time-axis
is negative displacement; velocity below axis means moving backward.</li> <li>Use SUVAT equations for
uniform acceleration cases to check results (e.g. s = ut + ½ at² should match the area under v–t graph
calculation).</li> <li>Keyword checklist: On s–t, say "at rest", "constant speed", "speeding up/down"; on
v–t, say "constant acceleration", "decelerating". This helps in exam descriptions.</li> <li>Units check:
(m/s²) × s = m for area under v–t, (m) / s = m/s for slope of s–t, etc.</li> </ul> <div class="mermaid">
flowchart LR S["Displacement–Time Graph (s–t)"] -->|Gradient = v| V["Velocity–Time Graph (v–t)"] V --
>|Gradient = a| A["Acceleration–Time Graph (a–t)"] V -->|Area under curve = s| S </div> <h2>Practice
Problems</h2> <p><strong>1. Easy:</strong> A car’s displacement–time graph is a straight line rising
from 0 m at t=0 to 12 m at t=3 s. What is the car’s velocity? (Ans: 4 m/s.)</p> <p><strong>2.
Easy:</strong> A velocity–time graph is constant at -3 m/s from t=0 to 5 s (below axis). What is the
displacement and distance traveled? (Ans: Displacement = -15 m, Distance = 15 m.)</p> <p><strong>3.
Medium:</strong> A velocity–time graph shows a line from (0 s, 0 m/s) to (8 s, 24 m/s). (a) What is the
acceleration? (b) How far does it travel in 8 s? (Ans: a = 3 m/s²; displacement = 96 m.)</p>
<p><strong>4. Medium:</strong> A displacement–time graph is horizontal at s=5 m from t=0 to 2 s,
then linear up to s=11 m at t=5 s. What is the object’s motion description and velocity after 2 s? (Ans: At
rest 0–2 s; then uniform v = (11-5)/(5-2) = 2 m/s.)</p> <p><strong>5. Hard:</strong> A car accelerates
from rest to 20 m/s in 10 s, then continues at 20 m/s for 5 s, then decelerates to 0 in 4 s. Sketch the v–t
graph and compute total displacement. (Ans: Trapezoids: first triangle area = ½·10·20 =100 m; second
rectangle = 20·5=100 m; third triangle area=½·4·20=40 m; total =240 m.)</p> <h2>Common Exam
Question Variants</h2> <ul> <li>Finding acceleration from a v–t graph (linear segment).</li>
<li>Calculating displacement from area under a V–T graph with multiple segments (incl. negative
velocities).</li> <li>Determining velocity from s–t graph gradients or slope of s–t graphs (including
curved average slopes).</li> <li>Describing motion qualitatively from graph shape (e.g. “uniform
acceleration”, “steady speed”, “changing direction”).</li> <li>Using both gradient and area: e.g., given a
piecewise graph, find times when object stops, distances, etc.</li> <li>Converting between graphs:
sketching a v–t or s–t graph given one or finding instantaneous values (e.g. tangent velocity).</li> </ul>
<h2>Refer