P2 1.1 Motion Detailed Notes

Page 1

P2 Distance - time graphs

We can use graphs to help us describe the motion of an object.

A distance - time graph shows the distance of an object from a starting point (y - axis) against time taken (x - axis).

The speed of an object is the distance travelled each second.

The gradient of the line on a distance - time graph represents speed. The steeper the gradient, the greater the speed.

If an object is stationary, the line on a distance - time graph is horizontal.

If an object is moving at a constant speed, the line on a distance - time graph is a straight line that slopes upwards.

We can calculate the speed of an object using the equation: Speed in metres per second, m/s = distance travelled in metres (m) / time taken in seconds (s).